21 October 2026

Luke Myer MP has welcomed the Labour Government’s decision to approve the Jackdaw gas field, as the Chancellor announces a new Energy Wealth Fund. The decision, announced today (21 October), will see the site supplying gas to British homes and businesses this winter, supporting jobs and adding an estimated £2.9 billion to the UK economy.

Luke has consistently championed Teesside’s energy industry, including visiting the CATS gas terminal at Seal Sands last year, and speaking up for offshore workers and the thousands of skilled jobs supported by the North Sea industry. In June, he warned Ministers against allowing mass unemployment in the offshore industry before new clean energy opportunities were ready to replace existing jobs. Last month, he urged Ministers to judge Jackdaw on the evidence, rather than ideology, highlighting its ability to supply gas directly to the British market.

The Government has also announced a new £2 billion North Sea Energy Wealth Fund, using revenues from oil and gas to invest in Britain’s clean energy future. Teesside is at the forefront of the clean power jobs of the future, with carbon capture, offshore wind manufacturing, hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuel and nuclear energy all scaling up. Luke is a strong advocate for expanding these clean power industries and delivering good jobs for Teesside.

Luke Myer MP said:

“I’ve been clear that we should be making decisions about our energy system based on evidence, not ideology. We can and should support skilled British jobs in the offshore industry while scaling up the new clean power jobs coming to Teesside too. This is about a genuinely just transition that protects the workers and communities who have powered Britain for generations.”

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said:

“Following careful consideration of all relevant factors I have agreed that the regulator can grant consent for gas to be produced at Jackdaw, which will begin to supply the UK with gas from this winter thanks to the highly skilled and vital North Sea workers.

“This decision will support the country’s energy security with homegrown gas this winter and help minimise the UK’s use of imported higher emission fuels as we continue our transition to renewables and nuclear.

“The decision is compatible with our legally binding climate commitments, and we remain resolute in ending new licences for oil and gas and achieving net zero by 2050.”