A group of Members of Parliament have expressed their concerns over the offshore petroleum licensing bill, insisting that it will merely undermine the UK's climate commitments. In an open letter, the MPs argue that the bill will not accomplish anything substantial or beneficial for the nation or the environment. They suggest that with the pressing need for an aggressive response to the climate crisis, it seems counterproductive to advance legislation that could potentially exacerbate the problem.
1. A group of Members of Parliament have raised concerns about the offshore petroleum licensing bill, stating it could undermine the UK's climate commitments.
2. The MPs claim that the bill will not bring about any substantial or beneficial changes for the UK or the environment.
3. They are opposed to the advancement of legislation that could potentially worsen the climate crisis.
4. They maintain that the bill would encourage further exploration and extraction of offshore oil and gas, contradicting the UK's pledge to reduce carbon emissions.
5. The MPs believe that focus should be shifted to renewable energy resources instead of continuing to rely on fossil fuels.
According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, fossil fuels represented 79% of the total energy supply in the UK in 2019.
The group of MPs outlined their concerns in a comprehensively written open letter, arguing that the offshore petroleum licensing bill would essentially dilute the UK's commitments to curbing climate change. They believe this bill would essentially enable further exploration and extraction of offshore oil and gas. This, they say, contradicts the nation's pledge to reduce carbon emissions and tackle the unfolding climate emergency. They insist that instead of sustaining reliance on fossil fuels, there should be increased focus on renewable energy resources.