Labour backbencher criticises plan to block new North Sea oil and gas projects

Labour backbencher Henry Tufnell has criticised the Government’s plan to prevent new oil and gas developments off Scotland, calling it “hypocritical and pointless”. He argues that importing fuel while refusing to develop UK reserves undermines energy security, economic growth and jobs.

The proposed Energy Independence Bill would block future licences but would not affect Rosebank, approved in 2023 and now subject to a legal challenge. A poll for Offshore Energies UK found 65 per cent of Labour’s 2024 voters support approving Rosebank, while 68 per cent backed the recent approval of the Jackdaw gas field and 72 per cent said oil and gas would remain essential for the foreseeable future.