Rishi Sunak has defended the government’s plan to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, arguing that it aligns with the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
Today, Number 10 announced its intention to grant several new oil and gas licenses off the coast of Scotland to enhance British energy independence and decrease reliance on unfriendly states. However, critics have expressed concerns, claiming that this decision undermines the UK’s climate commitments. Some within the Conservative Party have warned that the Prime Minister risks being on the wrong side of history if the plans proceed.
Sunak appears to be giving more weight to being competitive in marginal constituencies (especially to the drivers of gas guzzlers) than to the long term survival of multiple species, including our own. Sadly, the electoral system is not designed for long term survivalist projects. Its design is to promote and sustain power hungry ideologies aimed at making the few very wealthy at the expense of the large majority.
Voters have complicated value systems in which the here and now is eternally in conflict with the future. Whereas many will argue for sustainable policies it becomes more complicated when they are directly impacted. The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) currently sited as a key factor in a London based by election is a clear example.
The move also sets a clear difference in approach between the government and the Labour Party, which has proposed a complete ban on new domestic oil and gas drilling to achieve zero-carbon electricity by 2030. Ed Miliband, the Shadow Climate Change Secretary, accused Mr. Sunak of pushing a “culture war on climate” to compensate for previous Tory energy policy failures.
Despite the criticism, government officials stress the need to utilise fossil fuel resources in the North Sea, particularly in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), which regulates oil, gas, and carbon storage industries, is currently conducting the 33rd offshore licensing round and expects to issue over 100 new licenses in the autumn.
Climate activists have expressed alarm over these developments, with particular opposition to any development of Rosebank, situated 80 miles northwest of Shetland. However, Rishi Sunak contends that using domestic oil and gas saves more carbon emissions compared to importing it from distant locations. He insists that granting new drilling licenses is in line with the government’s plan to achieve net-zero emissions.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister has announced plans for two new carbon capture usage and storage clusters, which are seen as vital tools to achieve net zero. The Acorn carbon capture project in North East Scotland and the Viking project in the Humber are expected to play a significant role in investing in clean technologies.
Tory MP Mr. Skidmore, who has been an advocate for green issues, expressed strong disapproval of the plans for new drilling licenses, calling it the wrong decision at the wrong time, especially when the world is facing record heatwaves. However, the government remains committed to utilising oil and gas in a way that balances energy security, job creation, and climate goals.
Amidst these developments, both the Conservative and Labour parties continue to debate their commitment to net zero policies and environmental promises. The Uxbridge and South Ruislip by-election outcome led to discussions within Labour over expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to outer boroughs, while far right MPs from the Conservative Party have appealed to the Prime Minister to reconsider net zero commitments. Despite these challenges, the government maintains its commitment to reaching net zero in a sensible and proportionate manner that considers the impact on families and industry.
Do you believe them? Or it yet more lip service that even many of them do not believe?
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