Ed Davey signals support for North Sea drilling and targets Reform UK

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has signaled support for the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea, stating that domestic gas production “made sense” to meet energy needs during the transition to net zero. He noted that approval would depend on the project passing a “climate test,” arguing that domestic gas may have a lower carbon footprint than imports.

At the party's autumn conference in Brighton, Davey also positioned the Liberal Democrats as a “firewall against Nigel Farage and Reform.” He warned of a potential alliance between Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch and Farage that could transform the UK into a “Trump satellite state.” Addressing internal party criticism regarding relevance, Davey expressed confidence in the party's ability to expand its parliamentary presence and defend against both Reform and Conservative influence.