Media reports suggest that the Conservative Party will formally join Reform in pushing for more oil and gas extraction from the North Sea.
A spokesperson for the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, commented:
“The reality is that of all the gas estimated to have been in the North Sea basin, just 14% remains commercially viable according to official statistics.
“Data also show that by 2027, UK gas production is set to fall short of what’s needed just to heat our homes, which currently accounts for 38% of UK gas use. In just two years’ time, more than two-thirds of the UK’s gas needs will be dependent on imports.
“Even if new fields are approved, it won’t be enough to reverse the trend and the UK would still be almost entirely (94%) reliant on imports by 2050.
“Politicians need to heed the clear warning that the North Sea is running out of gas and over reliance on it is a threat to energy security. This has nothing to do with politics or policy — it’s the geological reality after half a century of drilling.”