![]() ![]() The former energy minister, who has announced he is stepping down at the next election to focus on the fight for net zero, added: "It is on the wrong side of a future economy that will be founded on renewable and clean industries and not fossil fuels. Tory MP Chris Skidmore, who has long campaigned on green issues, was furious at the plans for new drilling licences, tweeting: "This is the wrong decision at precisely the wrong time, when the rest of the world is experiencing record heatwaves." The PM will hope pledging jobs and investment in the North Sea will chime with the people he wants to listen. It's also worth remembering that parts of North East Scotland are important Conservative election battlegrounds - West Aberdeenshire is energy minister Andrew Bowie's seat with just an 800 majority, for example.Ī government source told me they believe Number 10 are focusing on votes they can win, not the environmentally-minded who the Conservatives will already have lost. Mr Sunak is now talking about a "pragmatic and proportionate" approach to net zero. The government maintains it is committed to that deadline, and to reaching net zero by 2050, but the language has changed since the Uxbridge by-election. The cost of living and the NHS tend to come top of voter priorities, a YouGov poll for The Times suggests this morning, and seven out of 10 Tory voters are against the 2030 ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles. Those claims are obviously far-fetched – Sir Keir has been highly critical of the campaign group – but polling does suggest some environmental policies are unpopular with Conservative voters. The PM is pitching himself as being on the side of the people, framing Labour as being in cahoots with Just Stop Oil. The prime minister's announcement on hundreds of new North Sea licences in Scotland today comes as the government accuses Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer of risking the "lights going out" with his only policy to ban new drilling. Political correspondent Sunak wants to set a dividing line with Labour. That's the right balance and that's what I'm delivering as prime minister." He added: "Everyone should be excited about the prospect of us leading the world, transitioning to net zero and strengthening our energy security. " better for our energy security, not being reliant on foreign dictators, better for jobs, for example 100,000 supported here in Scotland, but also better for the climate because if we are going to need it, far better to have it here at home." "But what is important then is we get that oil and gas in the best possible way and that means getting it here at home. Speaking to broadcasters, Mr Sunak said: "It is really important for everyone to recognise that even in 2050 when we are at net zero, it is forecast that around a quarter of our energy needs will still come from oil and gas - that's why technologies like carbon capture and storage are important. The Acorn carbon capture project in North East Scotland - a joint venture between Shell and other firms - and the Viking project in the Humber will be "vital to driving forward and investing in clean technologies that we need to realise our net zero target", Downing Street said.īut while ministers predict the move could support up to 50,000 jobs, the target for the two new sites to be up and running isn't until 2030. The prime minister has also confirmed locations for two new carbon capture usage and storage clusters - with billions expected to be pumped into the schemes.Ĭarbon capture sees polluting fumes collected to either be used elsewhere or stored underground instead of going into the air, and is viewed as an increasingly important tool in achieving net zero. Government needs to pursue net zero targets - Lord Deben ![]()
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