UK to delay Jackdaw gas field decision until after October by-election, Telegraph says (updated)

Equinor ASA

11/09/2026 13:21

Adds comment from government in paragraphs 4 and 5
LONDON, Sept 11 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to delay a decision on whether to bring the Jackdaw gas field online until after a parliamentary by-election next month, the Telegraph reported on Friday, citing government sources.
Media reports earlier this month had said the approval for the Shell and Equinor-backed project had been expected on Tuesday, but the Telegraph said on Friday that the decision had now been pushed back until late autumn. 
The October 8 by-election in Holborn and St Pancras was triggered by the resignation of Burnham's predecessor, Keir Starmer, as a lawmaker and is expected to be closely contested by Labour and the Green Party.
A spokesperson for the government's energy department said they would not comment on speculation. The government has never publicly confirmed a date for a decision on Jackdaw.
"Any decision will take into account all relevant evidence, including environmental assessments and public representations received during the consultation process," the spokesperson said.

 (Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by William James)
 ((sam.tabahriti@thomsonreuters.com; +447342 020357;))