Andy Burnham says "taking a pragmatic approach to the North Sea" on new gas field approval

The UK government approved the Jackdaw gas field on Wednesday, the first new North Sea project cleared since the Iran conflict raised energy prices. The energy secretary signed off after regulator consent, permitting the Adura venture—formed by Shell and Equinor—to start supplying gas to homes and businesses by month’s end. Earlier approvals were overturned after environmental groups challenged the climate review, leading to a new assessment. Officials said the decision addresses recent Middle‑East tensions that have tightened global supplies and increased domestic bills, and that domestic output will aid energy security. Adura estimates the field could provide enough gas for about 1.4 million homes at peak and is now pursuing approval for the nearby Rosebank project, which together could represent roughly 10 % of the UK’s gas and oil production.