Jackdaw Gas Field: Trump Applauds Burnham’s Decision
US President Donald Trump has praised UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham after Britain approved production at the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Trump said the move would “make the UK a very rich country,” and contrasted Burnham with his predecessor Keir Starmer, who he said never got things done.
What Is the Jackdaw Gas Field?
Jackdaw sits about 150 miles east of Aberdeen and is run by Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Norway’s state-owned Equinor. After years of legal challenges and heated debate over its environmental and economic impact, Burnham announced approval earlier this week.
Ministers say the first gas could flow before the end of this month, with the field connecting to the national network within weeks and producing for around 11 years. The government also announced a new energy wealth fund alongside the decision.
Supporters and Critics Disagree
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said the gas would reach homes and businesses this month, but admitted it would not lower bills this winter. She argued the decision fits the UK’s legally binding climate goals and that the government still intends to end new oil and gas licences and reach net zero by 2050.
Environmental groups strongly disagree. Greenpeace called it the wrong decision for bills, energy security and the climate, while Oxfam said the government had drilled straight through its own commitments. Campaigners also point out that, based on official forecasts, Jackdaw could cover only about 1.6% of national gas demand between 2026 and 2036.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accused Burnham of dithering and called for the ban on new licences to be repealed. Burnham replied that her party had messed up the original decision by ignoring climate obligations.
Trump’s Reaction
Trump appeared to mix up oil and gas, saying the UK was “opening up the North Sea oil.” He claimed Burnham knew what was right even if it went against liberal principles. Earlier in the week he urged Britain to go “full blast” in the North Sea.
Other Topics From the Call
According to Downing Street, the two leaders also discussed the Falkland Islands and the Sea Lion oilfield project, as Argentina has threatened sanctions and started legal action over exploration nearby. They talked about Ukraine as well, with Burnham stressing that Ukraine needs full Starlink access to defend itself, and they agreed to keep working toward ending the war.
What Comes Next?
A decision on the Rosebank oil field off Shetland is still pending. For now, the Jackdaw gas field remains a symbol of the UK’s balancing act between energy security and climate promises.
