AN MP has demanded the Prime Minister act to protect energy security and stop the UK being so reliant on foreign countries for energy.
Shipley MP Philip Davies also said government must not cave in to the “extremist bullies” from Just Stop Oil.
Speaking in Prime Minister’s Questions Mr Davies said: “My constituents continue to be concerned about energy prices and energy security. Will the Prime Minister assure me he will not cave into the extremist bullies from Just Stop Oil and instead commit to developing new oil and gas production in the UK which will be good for jobs, the economy and make us less dependent on foreign countries for our energy supply.”
Mr Davies also criticised the Labour Party front bench for its links with the Just Stop Oil campaigners given one of the biggest donors to the group is also a Labour Party donor.
Just Stop Oil wants to end new fossil fuel projects and said it will continue with its disruption unless the government and multi-national corporations cave into their demands.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “As ever, he (Philip) makes an excellent point. Putin’s weaponisation of energy has amplified the need for greater energy security and that is why we deliberately have launched new licencing rounds for the North Sea. Official forecasts suggests that a block on North Sea oil and gas investment would mean that the UK’s dependence on imports would rise substantially.”
Mr Sunak said the Labour Party’s policy on oil is one that “puts ideology ahead of jobs, investment and Britain’s energy security”.
Labour said it will not grant any new licences for drilling in the North Sea if they win the next general election.
