A public consultation has been launched on whether to approve gas production at the Jackdaw field in the North Sea, marking a significant step forward after years of legal disputes. The offshore regulator has set a deadline of 10 August 2026 for people to submit their views, after which Energy Security Secretary Ed Miliband will consider whether to give the development the go-ahead. The decision matters because it pits the UK's energy security and jobs against environmental concerns over greenhouse gas emissions.

Jackdaw is run by Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, which argues the project will bolster energy security and support skilled jobs, while an updated environmental impact assessment states it will "not materially influence" emissions. Together with the Rosebank oil field west of Shetland, the two projects are estimated to add £28.7 billion to the economy, generate £1.8 billion in tax revenues by the end of this parliament, support 3,500 jobs at peak construction and sustain 880 jobs during production. Adura chief executive Neil McCulloch said Jackdaw is ready to make a major contribution to Britain's energy needs by this winter.