In a robust defence of the government's energy strategy, Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch has thrown her full support behind the continued issuance of new North Sea oil and gas licences. The senior cabinet minister positioned the policy as a critical pillar of UK energy security and economic pragmatism, directly challenging critics who argue it undermines the country's Net Zero ambitions.
Mrs Badenoch argued that granting new licences for fossil fuel extraction is not incompatible with the UK's long-term climate goals. Instead, she framed it as a necessary bridge to a greener future, ensuring a stable and domestic supply of energy while renewable infrastructure continues to scale up.
The Core Argument: Security, Economy, and Transition
The Business Secretary laid out a clear, three-pronged argument for her position:
- Boosting Energy Security: Reducing reliance on foreign imports from potentially volatile regions, especially in light of the global energy market shocks caused by the war in Ukraine.
- Protecting British Jobs: Safeguarding the hundreds of thousands of jobs supported by the oil and gas industry across the UK, particularly in communities around Aberdeen and the North East of Scotland.
- A Pragmatic Path to Net Zero: Asserting that domestic gas has a lower carbon footprint than imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) due to transportation emissions. She emphasised the need for a transition that doesn't jeopardise the economy or leave people without power.
'This is about a transition, not a cliff edge,' sources close to the Secretary of State were quoted as saying, highlighting the government's aim to avoid sudden disruptions that could harm industry and households.
Navigating Political and Environmental Opposition
The policy has drawn significant fire from environmental groups and opposition parties. Critics, including the Labour Party which has vowed to halt new licences if it wins the next election, condemn the move as a short-sighted betrayal of the UK's climate leadership and commitments under the Paris Agreement.
However, Mrs Badenoch and the government are making a concerted effort to frame the debate around economic realism and the security of the British people. This stance appeals to voters concerned about energy bills and the health of the domestic economy, setting a clear dividing line with political opponents.
The announcement signals the government's intention to continue harnessing the resources of the North Sea for decades to come, betting that the public will prioritise security and affordability alongside environmental progress.
