UK public backs new North Sea oil and gas licences

A recent Opinium poll of 2,050 UK adults found that 71% support domestic oil and gas production, while only 8% say the source of fuel does not matter. Nearly half (49%) favour adopting Norway’s approach by allowing new exploration licences in the North Sea, compared with 24% who want the current ban to stay. Among Labour voters, 42% back new licences and 35% prefer the ban to continue. The survey, commissioned by Offshore Energies UK, was released ahead of Andy Burnham’s expected swearing‑in as prime minister, prompting calls for a “policy reset” to reduce import reliance and boost industrial resilience. OEUK chief executive David Whitehouse said the data shows the British public are looking for “huge change in energy policy from the new prime minister”. The government has responded that new licences would not alter the country’s net‑import status.