Six energy secretaries and about four years separate green light from approval
The Jackdaw gasfield received consent to begin production 150 miles east of Aberdeen, The Guardian reported on October 21, 2026. The Guardian’s business live coverage described the decision as long-awaited.
Jackdaw had been given the green light about four years earlier. The production consent followed that earlier decision after a span covering six energy secretaries.
Guardian energy correspondent Jillian Ambrose wrote an explainer on what the decision means exactly. Her account addresses the implications for the Labour Party, household bills, the economy and the climate crisis.
The same Guardian business live report also said UK inflation had reached 3.5%, with rising motor-fuel costs cited as the driver. The inflation reading appeared in the same coverage as the Jackdaw consent.