North Sea plan allows drilling while enabling Labour to keep ‘no new licences’ pledge

The GuardianWednesday, November 26, 2025 at 3:47:51 PM
North Sea plan allows drilling while enabling Labour to keep ‘no new licences’ pledge
  • The UK government has announced a plan that allows limited new drilling in the North Sea while maintaining its commitment to a ban on new oil and gas licenses, as articulated by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband following the Cop30 climate conference in Brazil. This strategy includes permitting 'tiebacks' to existing fields, which will enable some fossil fuel extraction despite broader climate goals.
  • This development is significant as it reflects the government's attempt to balance energy needs with climate commitments, allowing for some fossil fuel extraction while adhering to a pledge to phase out new licenses. Miliband's stance aims to position the UK as a leader in climate action while addressing energy security concerns.
  • The announcement comes amid ongoing debates about the future of energy production in the UK, particularly in light of recent findings that the country is the most expensive place to build nuclear power stations. This situation underscores the complexities of transitioning to cleaner energy sources while managing existing fossil fuel infrastructure and regulatory challenges.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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