THE UK Government has denied reports of an immediate ban on new drilling in the North Sea.
According to the Telegraph the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who is a committed opponent of oil and gas, has told regulators not to approve a new round of drilling that was slated for confirmation in the coming weeks.
The decision follows crisis meetings held earlier this week between the Energy Secretary and his aides after questions were asked about outstanding drilling applications.
The Labour Party manifesto stated they would not issue new oil and gas licences for the North Sea.
There were 76 applications submitted by oil and gas companies as part of the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round initiated by the last government in autumn 2023.
READ MORE: Recovery operation under way at Scottish fish farm as boat sinks and leaks fuel
Bids for up to 35 areas of the North Sea were still awaiting a decision from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) when the election was called back in May.
In a statement late on Wednesday, Miliband's spokesman said: “We will not issue new licences to explore new fields, and will not revoke existing oil and gas licences. We will manage existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan.”
The announcement follows a campaign launched last month against Labour’s policy of refusing to grant new oil and gas licences in the North Sea which hundreds of businesses signed up to.
The trade union Unite had also launched a “no ban without a plan” movement.
Let us know what you think by casting your vote below, and have your say in the comment section.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel