Steve Bell on #RishiSunak’s promise to ‘max out’ #NorthSeaOil – cartoon - https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/picture/2023/aug/01/steve-bell-on-rishi-sunaks-promise-to-max-out-north-sea-oil-cartoon

"Hundreds of new North Sea oil and gas licences to boost British energy independence and grow the economy: 31 July 2023

Hundreds of new oil and gas licenses will be granted in the UK, the Prime Minister has confirmed today (Monday 31 July)."

UK Government press release (link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/hundreds-of-new-north-sea-oil-and-gas-licences-to-boost-british-energy-independence-and-grow-the-economy-31-july-2023)

#UKGovernment #NorthSeaOil #FossilFuel #ClimateChange #ClimateCrisis

The cynicism is staggering.

Among those in the English goverment who accept climate science, the likely thinking is that Britain's contribution to worldwide emissions is around 1%, so 'maxing out' North Sea oil and gas will have little global effect.

Sunak's announcement today is a combination of pandering to domestic selfishness, and a single-digit salute to the rest of the world.

#RishiSunak #NorthSeaOil #NorthSeaGas #ClimateEmergency

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-66357043

In his final months of office, England's failing PM adopts a literal scorched-earth policy. Labour will no doubt accept the new burning reality and carry on as heretofore.

May the gods have mercy on our souls.

#RishiSunak #NorthSeaOil #NorthSeaGas #ClimateEmergency

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-politics-66357043

New #NorthSeaOil and #gas licences could produce #emissions equivalent to 14m cars

#Greenpeace criticises ‘scandalous’ expansion approved by #UK government over past two years
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/24/new-north-sea-oil-and-gas-licences-emissions-greenpeace-government-uk #ClimateCrisis #ToryPoliciesInAction #Sustainability #Pollution #Environment

I can see the argument that, while we are transitioning from oil, it would be better for the UK to use oil from the North Sea instead of importing oil from Russia, Saudi, etc.. If that's the motivation, fine, grant a licence, but make it a condition that any oil extracted cannot be exported on pain of imprisonment. I suspect, there'll be cries of "that will make it financially unviable". In which case, good, GO BUILD A WIND FARM!

#Environment #NorthSeaOil

Labour confirms plans to block all new #NorthSeaOil and gas projects - https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/may/28/labour-confirms-plans-to-block-all-new-north-sea-oil-and-gas-projects #Environment #Sustainability #ClimateCrisis

Does the #UK really need to drill for more #NorthSeaOil and gas? - https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/may/01/does-the-uk-really-need-to-drill-for-more-north-sea-oil-and-gas

Pleas sign the green peace petition to stop Shell drilling in the North Sea for new oil.
https://action.greenpeace.org.uk/stop-drilling-start-paying?source=EM&subsource=ECCLJUPEEM08AJ&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Stop+drilling+start+paying+20230126&utm_term=Non-Signers
#climatechange #NorthSeaOil #GreenPeace