23 January 2024 , 08:48
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The Government's proposal to maximise North Sea oil and gas production has passed its first Commons test, despite criticism from Tories and warnings of "sleepless nights" over the plans.
The Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, which mandates annual rounds for new oil and gas licences subject to strict emissions and imports tests, was given a second reading by 293 votes to 211, majority 82. Despite this, some Conservatives joined opposition MPs in expressing concerns.
Greenpeace also criticised the measures, stating that the "planet and everyone on it has lost" due to the Bill's progress. Former Tory cabinet minister and Cop26 climate talks president, Sir Alok Sharma, said the Bill would "reinforce the unfortunate perception about the UK rowing back from climate action".
Sir Alok, who did not vote for the Bill, told the Commons: "We have seen the impacts of the changing climate around us daily, 2023 was the hottest year on record globally, in recent weeks many people have faced flooding again in our country including in my own constituency, we really shouldn't need anymore wake-up calls to put aside the distractions and act with the urgency the situation demands."
He expressed scepticism about the idea that increased North Sea fuel production could reduce consumer energy bills, telling MPs: "I think it's acknowledged that this Bill would not necessarily lower domestic energy bills in the UK, that price for oil and gas as a commodity is set internationally. I think the best way to enhance are energy security and to ultimately bring down bills is for the Government to continue to deliver on its ambitious plans for expanding homegrown clean energy."
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Former Conservative minister Vicky Ford, who was also listed as no vote recorded, said: "I suspect for many members of this House, there are times when votes in this place can cause a sleepless night or two. And for me, this vote has caused a number of sleepless nights."
"There's a dilemma, on one hand the responsibility to care for lives and livelihoods of those people that we represent today. On the other hand, the responsibility to care for those who will come in the future and to leave the planet in a better place for the generations that will come in the times ahead."
Ms Ford said she hopes the Government will be "open to amendments to this Bill". Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho told MPs: "We are investing in more renewable energy, we are starting a nuclear revival, we will support new technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture and fusion, and this is our plan to have a balanced energy policy, however we need to make sure that the transition works for the British public and the British economy. Our plans can't be based on ideology, they must be based on common sense."
But Labour's Ed Miliband wasn't happy with the Bill, saying: "The legislation we are considering today won't cut bills, it won't give us energy security, it drives a coach and horses through our climate commitments, and it learns nothing from the worst cost-of-living crisis in memory that the British people are still going through, a cost-of-living crisis caused by our dependence on fossil fuels. Since its launch two months ago, the case for this Bill has disintegrated upon contact with reality."
SNP's Dave Doogan also slammed the vote, stating: "This Bill does not lower fuel bills, does not deliver energy security, and does not support a just transition to secure jobs for future generations. There is currently a green renewables gold rush with countries across the globe from the US to the EU preparing to take full advantage. We cannot be left behind because of Westminster's incompetence. Scotland has the energy, we just need the power."
Greenpeace UK's political campaigner, Ami McCarth, expressed her disappointment saying: "The Government may have won this vote but the planet and everyone on it has lost as a result. Literally no-one benefits from this nonsensical, climate-wrecking Bill except the oil and gas industry and its shareholders."
Commenting on the issue, Chiara Liguori, Oxfam GB's senior climate justice policy adviser, argued: "Tonight's vote is yet another example of the UK's dangerously hypocritical climate policy." In other news, earlier this year, Chris Skidmore quit as Tory MP for Kingswood due to concerns about the impact of the legislation. The bill will be further examined at a future date.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]