Labour MPs and climate campaigners are reportedly softening their opposition to the controversial Jackdaw North Sea gas field ahead of a potential Andy Burnham premiership, while vowing to continue fighting the Rosebank oil field. The shift reflects a pragmatic approach to jobs and energy security, though it draws criticism from environmental groups and the Green Party.
Approval for exploration in 70 new areas prompts fierce backlash from fossil fuel opponents The Norwegian government has been heavily criticised for approving plans to reopen three North Sea gasfields nearly three decades after they were closed to help fill the gap in energy supplies created by the Middle East war.Amid sharp price rises in oil and gas since the US and Israel’s attack on Iran in February, Oslo has also given its approval for oil and gas companies to explore in 70 new locations in the North Sea, Barents Sea and Norwegian Sea. Continue reading...
Letter writer responds to Nils Pratley's column on North Sea gas, arguing that expansion cannot be justified when climate and nature risks are considered. Citing Uplift analysis showing 14 years of new licensing delivered only one month's gas demand, the author warns that further expansion poses systemic risks to food security, economic stability and national security.
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.
