ED Miliband has ordered an immediate ban on new drilling in the North Sea, overruling his own officials.

In an unusual move, the Energy Secretary – a committed opponent of oil and gas – has told regulators not to approve a new round of drilling that was slated for confirmation in the coming weeks.

It means companies have potentially wasted millions on preparing their bids, with experts warning legal action is likely.

The decision follows crisis meetings held this week between Miliband and his aides after questions were asked by journalists about outstanding drilling applications.

Applications were submitted by 76 oil and gas companies as part of the 33rd offshore oil and gas licensing round initiated by the last government in autumn 2023.

Bids for up to 35 areas of the North Sea were still awaiting a decision from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) when the election was called.

In a statement late on Wednesday, Miliband’s spokesman said: “We will not issue new licences to explore new fields, and will not revoke existing oil and gas licences. We will manage existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan.”

  • GiveOver@feddit.ukEnglish
    5·
    5 months ago

    The linked article seems to be arguing the opposite

    The Telegraph reported on Thursday morning the Energy Secretary – a committed opponent of oil and gas – had told regulators not to approve a new round of drilling that was slated for confirmation in the coming weeks. The move would have seen Miliband overrule officials and experts warned legal action would be likely.
    But the UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has said the reports are untrue and no official decision has been made.

    • ᴇᴍᴘᴇʀᴏʀ 帝@feddit.ukOPMEnglish
      5·
      5 months ago

      In the Telegraph piece that has sparked this they say:

      On Wednesday afternoon the NSTA said that applications were still being considered, despite the change in Government. A spokesman reiterated the NSTA’s pre-election statement that: “Further consideration is being given to a small number of remaining applications and a few more may be offered at a later date.”

      However, Mr Miliband subsequently instructed the NSTA to block them all.

      In a terse statement issued late on Wednesday, his spokesman said: “We will not issue new licences to explore new fields, and will not revoke existing oil and gas licences. We will manage existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan.”

      It’s the Tooligraph but it’d mean they invented that direct quote which seems unusual.