Oil Giant BP's Former Boss Backs Labour Energy Policy, Calls for New North Sea Drilling Licenses To Be Halted

By Giuliano De Leon

Jun 07, 2024 03:52 PM EDT

Oil giant BP's former boss, John Browne, seems to support a key Labour energy policy. He's calling to end the new North Sea drilling licenses. 

Oil Giant BP's Former Boss Backs Labour Energy Policy, Calls for New North Sea Drilling Licenses To Be Halted
Picture taken 19 September 1984 in the North Sea of the Norwegian oil drilling rig "Statfjord B".
(Photo : SCANPIX SWEDEN/AFP via Getty Images)

Oil Giant BP's Former Boss Backs Labour Energy Policy

According to The Guardian's latest report, the former BP boss' call to end North Sea gas and oil drilling licenses implicitly endorses the Labour Party's stand on fossil fuels.

He said that it would be important to see if the UK's political parties have serious plans for the nation's green energy transition, especially since the general election is just around the corner.

He called on the next UK government to end the new North Sea drilling projects to show the country's intention to get to net zero. He added that doing this would also show whether officials have timely leadership capabilities.

"What will they do to combat climate change and its existential threats of famine and mass migration?," he said via Financial Times.

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What Former Oil Giant Boss Suggests

John Browne, who ran BP plc from 1995 to 2007, explained that the United Kingdom will still need oil and gas for the next few years before it can transition to net zero.

This is why existing drilling operations in the North Sea should continue. He explained that existing licenses should be allowed to continue.

However, he clarified that new oil and gas drilling licenses should be halted.

"But beyond this, we should call a halt. Such a move will reinforce our intention to get to net zero," explained John Browne.

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