Hundreds of North Sea licences granted by Conservatives have so far produced only 36 days worth of gas'

"Research by the energy consultancy Voar and the campaign group Uplift found that between 2010 and 2024, the government handed out hundreds of new North Sea oil and gas licences in seven licensing rounds, leading to 20 new and relicensed fields that have the potential to produce enough gas to supply the UK for only six months."

"Tessa Khan, the executive director of Uplift, said rightwing politicians and the oil and gas industry were trying to mislead the public, stating that some politicians are trying to sell us a dangerous fantasy of endless gas reserves, when the truth is that after 50 years of drilling we have already burned most of it."

"A rise in energy prices caused by the US-Israeli war in Iran has intensified the debate over how to ensure the UK has a reliable supply of affordable energy, with Labour's decision to ban new oil and gas licensing and focus instead on homegrown renewable energy being welcomed by many economists and climate experts."

Analysis reveals that hundreds of new oil and gas licenses granted in the North Sea have resulted in only 36 days' worth of gas production. Between 2010 and 2024, the government issued licenses leading to 20 fields that could supply the UK for six months. Critics argue that claims of reduced energy bills and enhanced security from new drilling are misleading. Labour's focus on renewable energy contrasts with calls from rightwing politicians for increased drilling to ensure energy affordability amid rising prices due to geopolitical tensions.

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