The UK government's approval of the Jackdaw North Sea gas field, despite widespread global criticism, undermines its climate credibility and international standing. The project, set to meet just 2% of UK gas demand for a decade, was re-approved following a quashed initial consent due to inadequate emissions accounting. This move contrasts with global trends toward fossil fuel phase-out and weakens the UK's position to oppose similar projects elsewhere. While the UK has historically led climate initiatives and enshrined net zero law, its support for new fossil fuel extraction risks setting a double standard. The decision comes amid growing global efforts to transition from fossil fuels, legal pressures, and the prospect of peak fossil fuel demand accelerating sooner than expected.