Andy Burnham, expected to become Prime Minister, faces internal Labour opposition over potential new North Sea oil and gas drilling licenses. While his team hasn't confirmed details, "tieback" arrangements could allow drilling without breaching manifesto pledges, angering climate campaigners and some MPs.
The Green party and several trade unions have warned the Labour party against weakening its climate commitments, particularly on North Sea oil and gas drilling. They argue that such a move would lead to political failure and economic detriment, while other unions and figures advocate for continued drilling to protect jobs.
The unexpected visitors were shipped from Aberdeen to the Valaris Norway, off the coast of Lincolnshire.
Chris Huhne responds to Nils Pratley's article on UK gas policy, arguing that biomethane represents a third overlooked option between expanding North Sea drilling and increasing LNG imports. He highlights that biomethane is domestic, low carbon, storable and dispatchable, citing the IEA's 2025 Renewables report and examples from Denmark (meeting 40% of gas demand from green gas) and France (20%+ annual growth since 2022). The letter argues the UK lacks political will to scale these alternatives.
