THE UK Government has denied reports of an immediate ban on new drilling in the North Sea.
According to the Telegraph the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who is 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.
The decision follows crisis meetings held earlier this week between the Energy Secretary and his aides after questions were asked about outstanding drilling applications.
The Labour Party manifesto stated they would not issue new oil and gas licences for the North Sea.
There were 76 applications submitted by 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 back in May.
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.”
The announcement follows a campaign launched last month against Labour’s policy of refusing to grant new oil and gas licences in the North Sea which hundreds of businesses signed up to.
The trade union Unite had also launched a “no ban without a plan” movement.
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