Burnham defends Jackdaw decision as Badenoch urges PM to overturn ban on new oil and gas licences

The UK government has approved production from the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, operated by Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor. Production could begin by the end of the month; Adura says the field could supply about 6% of UK gas production, enough for 1.4 million homes, though it will not lower bills this winter. Ministers say the project will support gas supplies, hundreds of jobs and £2.9bn for the economy, while environmental campaigners dispute its climate and energy-security benefits. Kemi Badenoch called for the ban on new oil and gas licences to be repealed, while Andy Burnham criticised her party’s handling of the original decision; the government also announced a £2bn fund for renewable and low-carbon projects.