A Labour Member of Parliament has sharply criticized the party's stance on new North Sea oil drilling, labeling the proposed ban as "hypocritical and pointless." The comments come as the party leadership is set to advance legislation that would prevent future developments off the Scottish coast, a move that contradicts previous commitments to a "pragmatic" approach to energy.
Henry Tufnell, the Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, described the legislation as "an act of self–harm" in an interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme. He questioned the logic of importing gas from countries like the US and Norway while refusing to develop domestic oil and gas reserves. "We are prepared to import gas from the US, we're prepared to import gas that has been drilled in Norway, but we are not prepared to drill our own oil and gas in the North Sea and bring in the economic benefits from tax receipts and support jobs there," Tufnell stated, highlighting what he sees as a significant hypocrisy.
He emphasized the importance of "energy security is national security" and its potential to drive economic growth and protect jobs. Tufnell also argued that political parties must adapt to a changing global landscape, particularly in light of conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, which have elevated energy security as a critical geopolitical concern.
Mr. Tufnell, along with Steve Yemm, the Labour MP for Mansfield, has co-founded a cross-party pressure group called Industry First, aimed at supporting new oil and gas drilling initiatives.
The proposed legislation, the Energy Independence Bill, will block future licensing for new oil and gas projects, even amidst a cost-of-living crisis. This new law will not impact the Rosebank oil field decision, as that project was approved in 2023 and is currently facing a legal challenge.
Recent polling suggests that a majority of Labour supporters favor the approval of projects like Rosebank. An Offshore Energies UK poll indicated that 65 percent of those who voted Labour in the 2024 general election support granting the green light to Rosebank. This sentiment contrasts with reported views from some within the party, including the Energy Secretary, who has expressed reservations about approving the field. The poll also revealed that 72 percent of Labour voters believe oil and gas are "essential for the foreseeable future."