The Reform UK leader called on the PM to “change course” during PMQs.
Nigel Farage skewers Keir Starmer over North Sea
Nigel Farage urged Sir Keir Starmer to “follow Norway” by ramping up oil and gas production in the North Sea at PMQs today. The Reform UK leader warned that Britain has been left “vulnerable” amid the Iran conflict thanks to Labour’s net zero push.
He told the Commons: “Over the course of the last year, our North Sea neighbours, Norway, have opened 49 drill sites for gas and oil. On our side of the North Sea, the number is zero.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage (Image: BBC)
“Given that our critical reserve of natural gas is down to two days and how vulnerable we are, and with talk potentially of energy rationing coming later this year, isn’t it time we change course, get rid of excessive taxation on the exploration companies, open up the licences, and become self-sufficient in natural gas.
“And with that would come thousands of jobs, increased tax revenues and cheaper gas prices. Isn’t it time we followed Norway?”
Sir Keir replied: “Oil and gas will be a part of the mix for many years to come as I’ve set out many times.”
As Mr Farage shook his head, the PM went on: “But he’s now highlighting the consequence of the war he said we should rush into.
“He wanted us to go to war, he said he was perfectly clear we should support the strikes.
“Then just like the leader of the Opposition, a week later he said I’ve got that one wrong.
“You can’t make mistakes about decisions as serious as committing to war. It’s a gross error.”