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UK to delay Jackdaw gas field decision until after October by-election, Telegraph says
The delay would push a decision into late autumn as Shell and Equinor seek approval for the offshore project, industry groups said.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is delaying the decision on the Jackdaw gas field until after the October 8 by-election in Holborn and St Pancras, further adding unpredictability to the project's future.
Last year, the Court of Session voided original permits for Jackdaw, ruling the previous government's approval unlawful for ignoring climate impacts; Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, was subsequently forced to reapply for new licenses.
Conservative shadow energy secretary Andrew Bowie accused the Prime Minister of "placing the interests of the Labour Party before the interests of Great Britain," arguing immediate approval could reduce reliance on expensive imports by winter.
Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticized the delay as an "act of dishonesty," claiming voters are "really outraging people" over the possibility of new drilling in the North Sea during the election period.
Labour candidate Sagal Abdi-Wali faces Polanski in the contest triggered by Sir Keir Starmer's resignation, while the government maintains any final decision will consider all relevant evidence and environmental assessments.