Shell is pressing ahead with plans to install a multi-billion-pound gas platform in the North Sea this spring, despite a recent court ruling that blocked drilling for the Jackdaw field. This field, which has the potential to power over a million UK homes, requires fresh approval from Downing Street for gas extraction after an Edinburgh court found that the previous Conservative administration had unlawfully approved both Jackdaw and Rosebank, the UK’s largest undeveloped oilfield.
The ruling determined that the initial environmental evaluations did not account for the full impact of burning petrol and oil, not just their extraction. Consequently, drilling is prohibited until new permits are granted. Despite this setback, Shell remains optimistic and continues to work on the platform, which is nearing completion in Norway, with plans to transport it into British waters in the coming months.

A Shell spokesperson stated, “The decision rightly permits work to proceed on this nationally significant energy project while new consents are sought.” Shell has already invested more than £800 million since regulatory approval for Jackdaw was granted in 2022 and is urging swift government action to ensure energy infrastructure projects proceed without further delay.
The government’s handling of the case is putting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a delicate political position, given his promise not to issue new oil and gas licenses during his election campaign. With licences already in place for Jackdaw and Rosebank, Downing Street may still approve these projects while adhering to its pledge.
Climate activists are urging the government to reject these projects, arguing that approval would undermine the UK’s clean growth ambitions. Tessa Khan of the advocacy group Uplift commented, “To approve these projects would send the wrong message about the UK’s commitment to transitioning away from fossil fuels.”