The Conservative Party is planning to prioritize the extraction of oil and gas from the North Sea if it returns to power, as indicated by Kemi Badenoch’s upcoming speech in Aberdeen. Reports suggest that Badenoch will outline a strategy focused on maximizing fossil fuel extraction instead of transitioning away from such energy sources.
In her announcement, Badenoch is expected to propose significant changes to the North Sea Transition Authority, which is responsible for issuing licenses for oil and gas extraction. The proposed changes would involve removing references to “transition” and simplifying the authority’s mandate to focus solely on maximizing fossil fuel extraction.
Badenoch has expressed that the UK cannot afford to leave valuable hydrocarbon resources untapped, especially when neighboring countries like Norway are actively extracting from the same reserves. She has pointed out that the UK has seen substantial decarbonization since 1990 but continues to face high energy prices, raising questions about the sustainability of the current approach.
The Conservative Party’s proposed shift would eliminate existing mandates that extend beyond maximizing extraction. Badenoch emphasized the need for economic growth and placing national interests first in energy policy. She stated that only a Conservative government would pursue this extraction-focused approach.
In response, Ed Miliband, the energy and net zero secretary, has criticized the Conservatives for abandoning the established consensus on achieving net zero emissions by 2050, labeling this stance as “anti-science.” He referred to a recent report from the Met Office indicating that the UK is experiencing increased temperatures, greater rainfall, and more frequent extreme weather events.
As the debate over energy policy and climate change continues, the implications of these proposals may influence the broader political landscape leading up to future elections.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/aug/30/tories-would-maximise-north-sea-oil-and-gas-extraction-badenoch-expected-to-say