Jackdaw: UK Government must not cave to fossil fuel company lobbying

Climate campaigners say the UK Government must not “cave in to fossil fuel company pressure” as rumours say it is set to approve the Jackdaw gas field.

Burning the fossil fuels from Jackdaw will worsen extreme climate impacts like the deadly Nepal-Tibet glacial melt, heatwaves which have killed thousands in the UK and further imperil food supplies as crops are destroyed.

Any gas produced will be sold at internationally determined prices, failing to provide any relief for households struggling with the long-term impact of reliance on fossil fuels.

When completed, the Jackdaw gas field is expected to create just 27 full-time jobs.

In June 2025, whilst Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham backed an anti-fossil fuel treaty which calls for an to end coal, oil, and gas and to “hold polluters accountable.”

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns, Caroline Rance said:

“New fossil fuels means deadly new climate disasters like the devastating floods in Nepal or the extreme heatwaves that have killed nearly 3000 people in the UK this summer. It is terrifying that the UK Government is considering caving to pressure from oil and gas lobbyists, and listening to their lies rather than looking at the evidence and prioritising our collective safety.

“New fossil fuels can never be compatible with our climate commitments. Both Jackdaw and Rosebank must be rejected once and for all.”

“Drilling new fields won’t help UK households. Any gas extracted belongs to Shell and Equinor who will sell it at the highest international price and boost their obscene profits, whilst continuing pay as little tax as possible and cause ever more climate destruction.

“It is disgraceful that the government is allowing our energy future to be determined by the same companies who are causing both record-breaking temperatures and soaring energy bills.

“Drilling Jackdaw risks further undermining the transition to renewable energy whilst only providing 27 long-term jobs. The only way we can provide real security for households and workers is by building an energy system that is powered by renewables, brings down bills, and is run in the public interest.”