Sir Alok Sharma to Rebel Against North Sea Oil and Gas Bill

The former Cop26 president criticizes the legislation as a 'smoke and mirrors' bill that reinforces the UK's retreat from climate action.

Sir Alok Sharma, former Cop26 president, has vowed to rebel against the Government's plans to boost oil and gas fields in the North Sea, arguing it would reinforce the perception that the UK is retreating from climate action.
The Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill, which mandates annual licensing rounds for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, is due before the Commons.
Sharma criticizes the bill as a 'smoke and mirrors' legislation that changes nothing, as the North Sea Transition Authority can already grant licenses when necessary.
The bill has faced opposition from other members of the Conservative party, including former minister Chris Skidmore, who resigned in protest, and Lord Goldsmith, who urged MPs to vote against the bill.
The Government argues that the legislation is necessary to boost domestic energy security and ensure a smooth transition to cleaner power, but critics, including Sharma, argue it won't lower domestic energy bills or ensure energy security.