More than 65 leading UK scientists have warned against new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, urging the government instead to prioritise renewable energy as a more cost-effective response to the energy crisis.
The intervention comes amid mounting political pressure to reverse the current ban on new exploration licences as the Middle East war has driven up oil and gas prices. The opposition Conservative Party and Reform UK have both called for increased domestic production, arguing it would bolster energy security, support jobs and lower bills.
In an open letter, however, the scientists challenged both the environmental and economic case for further drilling. “As climate scientists, we urge leaders to look to the cheaper solutions we have already, that we know work,” they wrote.