Ed Miliband has ordered an immediate ban on new drilling in the North Sea, a decision that overturns a decision by his own officials and threatens to trigger a wave of legal action. [emphasis, links added]
In an unusual intervention into a typically apolitical process, The energy secretary told regulators not to approve a new round of drilling that was due to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
His decision to block the license means Companies will waste millions of pounds preparing bids and experts have warned they could take legal action as a result.
The decision came after a crisis meeting between Mr Miliband and his aides yesterday after The Daily Telegraph asked for an update on the outstanding drilling license application.
The applications were submitted by companies seeking to develop up to 35 new areas in the North Sea as part of the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round launched by the previous government in autumn 2023.
76 oil and gas companies submitted 115 bids for oil and gas drilling in 257 “blocks” in the North Sea, Irish Sea and eastern Atlantic. NSTA says these will Increase UK oil production by 600 million barrels.
The election comes as bids for up to 35 areas are still awaiting a decision from regulator the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA).
On Wednesday afternoon, the National Security Agency said it was still considering applications despite the change in government.
A spokesman reiterated the NSTA's pre-election statement: “The small number of remaining applications are being further considered and more may be made available at a later date.”
However, sir. Miliband then directed the National Security Agency to lock them all down.
“We will not issue new licenses to explore new fields, nor will we revoke existing oil and gas licenses,” his spokesman said in a brief statement late Wednesday. Manage it within the cycle.
Whitehall sources also made it clear NSTA’s role and structure may be subject to review and overhaul.
It would be a huge embarrassment for Mr Miliband to preside over the new license, A staunch opponent of oil and gas.
In a debate earlier this year, he said: “Oil and gas licensing will not lower energy costs for homes and businesses… it will not enhance energy security and will not provide any support for the future of the UK's offshore energy community. plan.
“This will ensure that the UK remains at the mercy of petrostates and autocrats who control fossil fuel markets, and Totally inconsistent with the UK’s international climate change commitments.“
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