UK government delays Jackdaw North Sea gasfield approval to Holborn byelection campaign
The energy secretary will not recommend approving the controversial Jackdaw gasfield before October, leaving the decision until after local elections.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, the UK's energy secretary, is delaying her recommendation on the Jackdaw gasfield. The site is a major field off the coast of Aberdeen. The government intends to announce approval only later this autumn. Multiple sources indicate no decision will be made before recess. This timing avoids release during the October 8 byelection in Holborn and St Pancras. Green party leader Zack Polanski, running against Labour's Sagal Abdi-Wali, is seeking approval for the project. He has accused the government of dishonesty. Fahnbulleh had planned to give her recommendation next week but changed course. Critics claim the delay hides support for fossil fuel drilling despite extreme summer heat. Labour argues this allows focus on climate action before the election vote.
