Streeting, meanwhile, has also sought to differentiate himself from Sir Keir over the issue of whether new drilling for oil and gas should be allowed in the North Sea.
Labour’s 2024 manifesto said “we will not issue new licences to explore new fields because they will not take a penny off bills, cannot make us energy secure, and will only accelerate the worsening climate crisis”.
The Conservatives and Reform UK have been pressuring Sir Keir to approve more drilling, saying it is “reckless” that the country is not making use of its own resources at a time when the Iran war has sent energy prices higher.
The Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has been considering whether to allow drilling in two fields, Jackdaw and Rosebank, where applications had already been submitted before Labour took office and so, it could be argued, are not ‘new’ projects.
Streeting indicated to the Sunday Times he is in favour of new licences and the government should approve them. “Yes. I think that’s probably where Ed will get to. When he makes a decision, I’d be surprised if that wasn’t the case”.
“The granting of those licences will not necessarily translate into cheaper bills, but it will translate into higher tax receipts,” he added.
Sir Keir’s clear view is that oil and gas will continue to be extracted from the North Sea and used in the UK whatever happens with these licences.
But, to have cheaper bills and secure energy supplies in future, he says the country needs to transition towards renewable sources including solar and wind power backed by nuclear generation.
