Oil Change International responds to the UK Government’s official announcement of a North Sea licensing ban

The UK government’s announcement of a licensing ban in the North Sea signals a long-overdue pivot away from fossil fuel expansion and towards the fast, fair, full phase-out demanded by climate science and climate justice. There is no room for new oil and gas anywhere in the world if we are to have a livable future and today the UK has finally acknowledged this reality. As a historic emitter and one of the world’s largest oil and gas producers in the Global North, the UK has a responsibility to move first and fastest and to do so in a way that supports workers as well as communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

Rosemary Harris, North Sea Senior Campaigner, said:

“Today’s announcement of a ban on almost all new oil and gas licensing in the UK North Sea is a huge step forward. This ban exists only because of tireless movement campaigning; any victory belongs to them. It is a long overdue win that starts the country on the path of leaving the age of fossil fuels in the past, where it belongs. Crucially, it must be noted that this is only a start. Concessions to industry in the form of tiebacks will further fuel UK emissions and climate breakdown. They also will not help workers being abandoned by an industry squeezing out final profits.

This shows that the government can be bold when it wants to be. Hopefully, they can build on this with properly funded support for workers and communities, a rejection of Rosebank and an end to all other new developments. The world is watching: if implemented with integrity, this ban can mark the moment the UK finally begins acting like the climate leader it has long claimed to be, and doing its fair share to deliver global climate justice.”