Response to publication of the Energy Independence Bill in the UK

In response to the the publication of the Energy Independence Bill, which will put the oil and gas licensing ban in the UK into law, Rosemary Harris, North Sea Senior Campaigner at Oil Change International said:

“The UK government has finally started the process of putting the oil and gas licensing ban into law and setting out their vision for the future of energy in the UK. As one of the largest historic emitters of fossil fuel emissions, the UK has a responsibility to move first and fastest and confirming the ban in law will protect the progress made so far. Today, the government is using warm words about putting communities at the heart of the energy system and protecting workers. But warm words are not enough. If this government wants to earn public trust, this bill must deliver the funding and action to make those promises a reality and to deliver a fair energy transition for workers and communities.

“This also means there is no room for new oil and gas anywhere in the world if we are to have a livable future, and giving the green light to the Jackdaw gas project is a glaring contradiction to the positive steps taken today. If the vision set out today is to mean anything, they must reject Rosebank – to approve it now would be unforgivable.”