Reform UK has promised to reverse the government's ban on new North Sea oil and gas drilling as a 'day one' priority if elected, with taxpayers taking a stake in projects. Deputy leader Richard Tice met senior UK oil executives in recent weeks to pledge support for the industry, which has been hit by the windfall tax and a block on fresh exploration licences.
Tice told energy bosses to expect a reversal of the ban alongside billions of pounds of public investment, effectively handing taxpayers an equity stake in North Sea fossil fuel developments. These have stalled after Labour's manifesto promised to end new exploration licences. A Reform UK spokesperson said: 'As long as there's oil in the North Sea, we should be drilling for it. There are clear benefits for securing jobs and energy independence.'
Reform's move coincides with calls from US President Donald Trump for the UK to 'incentivise modernised drilling in the North Sea'. Green groups argue volatile global energy prices are behind high UK costs, and renewables offer cheaper alternatives. Reform said it would reveal further energy policies later, possibly including reversing all renewable energy subsidies, effectively dismantling the government's net zero agenda.
Tice warned earlier this month that the party plans to block 'net stupid zero' infrastructure, including renewable projects in Lincolnshire, where Reform took control of the county council. He said: 'We will attack, we will hinder, we will delay, we will obstruct... So give up and go away.'
