New calls for government to back North Sea oil drilling

A new report has joined other calls for the UK Government to back new drilling licences for the Jackdaw and Rosebank gas and oil fields in the North Sea.

The Tony Blair Institute warned that ministers should accelerate domestic oil and gas production as fuel prices spike. The think-tank has previously criticised the UK Government’s Clean Power Plan and urged it to axe the energy profits levy.

Last year, the Court of Session declared that approval for Rosebank and Jackdaw was unlawful and new consent was needed. Environmental campaigners argue clean energy is the future, and more investment in the sector is needed.