Kemi Badenoch faces criticism over her controversial proposal to eliminate net zero mandates for North Sea oil and gas operations. During a speech in Aberdeen, the Conservative leader declared plans to prioritize maximizing extraction over emission reduction and green technology development, reversing her earlier stance on climate commitments.
Energy minister Michael Shanks condemned Badenoch’s proposal, labeling it as undermining crucial climate targets and accusing the Conservative party of neglecting the country’s energy security. Shanks emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to ensure the North Sea’s sustainable energy future and criticized the Tories for their alleged lack of a coherent policy.
In response, the Labour party spokesperson criticized the Conservative party for disregarding the lessons from their previous electoral defeat and expressed support for a prosperous transition in the North Sea through a clean energy initiative. The spokesperson emphasized the importance of investing in the future and managing the transition in a cooperative manner for the benefit of current and future generations.