Johnson hints UK oil and gas output must rise to cut dependence on Russia

(The Guardian, 7 Mar 2022) PM insists move will not undermine push for net zero; critics say it would have little effect on consumer bills.

Boris Johnson has said the UK may have to increase its domestic gas and oil production in order to wean itself off Russian resources, despite the opposition of climate campaigners and some scepticism in the cabinet.

The prime minister said the UK was looking at increasing North Sea output, although critics say it would take two decades to ramp up significantly and would have little immediate effect on the impending rise in domestic energy bills.

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference, Johnson said: “One of the things we are looking at is the possibility of using more of our own hydrocarbons, and you’ll have heard already about what the business secretary has had to say about licences for UK domestic production.

“That doesn’t mean we are abandoning our commitment to reducing CO2 … We have got to reflect the reality that there is a crunch on at the moment. We need to intensify our self-reliance as a transition with more hydrocarbons.”

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The Guardian, 7 Mar 2022: Johnson hints UK oil and gas output must rise to cut dependence on Russia