A Labour government would not rid any oil and gas companies of new drilling licences promised on Monday by prime minister Rishi Sunak.
Shadow House of Commons leader Thangam Debbonaire said although the party has a policy of not pursuing new oil projects, it would not cancel any of the new licences awarded to North Sea firms under Rishi Sunak’s government if it were to win the next election.
“We will grant no new licences,” she responded when asked by the BBC if Labour would revoke fresh permits.
“Obviously, oil and gas is going to play a part in our transition to a fully clean, green energy market. But we need to make sure that we are not going to grant any more.”
Rishi Sunak’s government committed to granting “hundreds” of new North Sea oil and gas licences on Monday, a move slated by climate activists and Labour itself.
Sunak's announcement also came with an update on ambitions to roll out carbon capture technology.
Debbonaire said Sunak had to decide “which side of history” he wanted to be on, in a separate interview with Channel 4 News, suggesting a Labour government would splash out billions on renewables given the chance.