{"id":991513,"date":"2026-02-20T13:05:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-20T13:05:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/?p=991513"},"modified":"2026-02-20T13:05:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T13:05:13","slug":"tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/","title":{"rendered":"Tony Blair Institute urges UK government to lift ban on new oil and gas licences"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_73 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_What_the_Report_Called_For\" title=\"\u00a0What the Report Called For\">\u00a0What the Report Called For<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Why_the_Call_Matters\" title=\"\u00a0Why the Call Matters\">\u00a0Why the Call Matters<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Policy_Context\" title=\"\u00a0Policy Context\">\u00a0Policy Context<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Case-Driven_Insights_Economic_Arguments\" title=\"\u00a0Case-Driven Insights &amp; Economic Arguments\">\u00a0Case-Driven Insights &amp; Economic Arguments<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Economic_Rationale_in_the_Report\" title=\"\u00a0Economic Rationale in the Report\">\u00a0Economic Rationale in the Report<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Reactions_Public_Commentary\" title=\"\u00a0Reactions &amp; Public Commentary\">\u00a0Reactions &amp; Public Commentary<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Government_and_Political_Responses\" title=\"\u00a0Government and Political Responses\">\u00a0Government and Political Responses<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Public_Debate\" title=\"\u00a0Public Debate\">\u00a0Public Debate<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Broader_Climate_and_Policy_Trade-Offs\" title=\"\u00a0Broader Climate and Policy Trade-Offs\">\u00a0Broader Climate and Policy Trade-Offs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_In_Summary\" title=\"\u00a0In Summary\">\u00a0In Summary<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_What_the_Tony_Blair_Institute_Is_Arguing\" title=\"\u00a0What the Tony Blair Institute Is Arguing\">\u00a0What the Tony Blair Institute Is Arguing<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Case-Like_Examples_Strategic_Claims\" title=\"\u00a0Case-Like Examples &amp; Strategic Claims\">\u00a0Case-Like Examples &amp; Strategic Claims<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#Energy_Security_Economic_Potential\" title=\"Energy Security &amp; Economic Potential\">Energy Security &amp; Economic Potential<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#Policy_Risk_Investment_Deterrence\" title=\"Policy Risk &amp; Investment Deterrence\">Policy Risk &amp; Investment Deterrence<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Reactions_from_Experts_Stakeholders\" title=\"\u00a0Reactions from Experts &amp; Stakeholders\">\u00a0Reactions from Experts &amp; Stakeholders<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#Government_Criticism\" title=\"Government Criticism\">Government Criticism<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#Climate_Advocacy_Responses\" title=\"Climate Advocacy Responses\">Climate Advocacy Responses<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Public_Community_Comments\" title=\"\u00a0Public &amp; Community Comments\">\u00a0Public &amp; Community Comments<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Supportive_Voices\" title=\"\u00a0Supportive Voices\">\u00a0Supportive Voices<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Critical_or_Opposing_Views\" title=\"\u00a0Critical or Opposing Views\">\u00a0Critical or Opposing Views<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_Wider_Policy_Context\" title=\"\u00a0Wider Policy Context\">\u00a0Wider Policy Context<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/ukpostcode.org\/content\/tony-blair-institute-urges-uk-government-to-lift-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/#_In_Summary-2\" title=\"\u00a0In Summary\">\u00a0In Summary<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_What_the_Report_Called_For\"><\/span>\u00a0What the Report Called For<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The report by the <strong>Tony Blair Institute (TBI)<\/strong> says the UK government\u2019s current energy strategy is <strong>\u201cleading the UK in the wrong direction.\u201d<\/strong> It specifically urges ministers to <strong>reverse the ban on issuing new oil and gas exploration licences<\/strong> for the <strong>North Sea<\/strong>, which was introduced as part of Labour\u2019s clean energy policy commitments. The think tank also recommended cutting the <strong>Energy Profits Levy (windfall tax)<\/strong> on fossil fuel producers to stimulate investment. (<a title=\"Tony Blair think tank urges UK to reverse ban on new oil and gas licences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/business\/energy\/2026\/02\/13\/tony-blair-think-tank-urges-uk-to-reverse-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The National<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>According to the TBI, scrapping restrictions on new oil and gas licences \u2014 and reducing taxes \u2014 would unlock <strong>billions in potential reserves<\/strong> in the North Sea and attract investment back into domestic energy infrastructure. While precise figures depend on geological assumptions and commercial viability, the basin is estimated to be worth <strong>tens of billions of pounds<\/strong> if more projects are permitted. (<a title=\"Tony Blair think tank urges UK to reverse ban on new oil and gas licences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/business\/energy\/2026\/02\/13\/tony-blair-think-tank-urges-uk-to-reverse-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The National<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>The report also argued that an energy strategy too focused on meeting climate targets like those in <strong>Clean Power 2030<\/strong> risks higher energy costs, lower energy security, and slower economic growth if it does not also consider <strong>affordability and reliability<\/strong>. (<a title=\"Blair think tank urges UK to drop Clean Power 2030\" href=\"https:\/\/www.agcc.co.uk\/news-article\/blair-think-tank-urges-uk-to-drop-clean-power-2030?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">AGCC<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Why_the_Call_Matters\"><\/span>\u00a0Why the Call Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Policy_Context\"><\/span>\u00a0Policy Context<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>The UK government, led by Labour, has focused on a <strong>transition to low-carbon energy<\/strong> and has largely <strong>stopped granting new licences<\/strong> for exploration of oil and gas in the North Sea as part of climate commitments \u2014 though this has been debated publicly. (<a title=\"The unresolved battle over the UK\u2019s oil and gas future | Envirotec\" href=\"https:\/\/envirotecmagazine.com\/2026\/02\/20\/a-debate-that-seems-reluctant-to-settle\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">envirotecmagazine.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>The TBI\u2019s intervention puts pressure on the government to <strong>rethink this energy transition<\/strong> as part of broader economic and security policy. It suggests that extracting more domestic fossil fuels could help reduce reliance on <strong>imports<\/strong>, support energy prices, and boost tax revenues that could help finance the shift to renewables. (<a title=\"The unresolved battle over the UK\u2019s oil and gas future | Envirotec\" href=\"https:\/\/envirotecmagazine.com\/2026\/02\/20\/a-debate-that-seems-reluctant-to-settle\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">envirotecmagazine.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Case-Driven_Insights_Economic_Arguments\"><\/span>\u00a0Case-Driven Insights &amp; Economic Arguments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Economic_Rationale_in_the_Report\"><\/span>\u00a0Economic Rationale in the Report<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The TBI\u2019s argument largely centres on <strong>economic and strategic benefits<\/strong> of allowing more North Sea development:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Energy security:<\/strong> By permitting more licences, the UK could lessen dependence on volatile global fuel markets \u2014 an argument also made by industry bodies and some analysts. (<a title=\"The unresolved battle over the UK\u2019s oil and gas future | Envirotec\" href=\"https:\/\/envirotecmagazine.com\/2026\/02\/20\/a-debate-that-seems-reluctant-to-settle\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">envirotecmagazine.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Investment stimulus:<\/strong> The think tank suggests that high taxation and regulatory uncertainty have stifled new investment. Cutting taxes and permitting new fields would make the UK more attractive for capital. (<a title=\"Tony Blair think tank urges Keir Starmer to axe 38% energy tax as 'UK in the wrong direction'\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbnews.com\/money\/energy-tony-blair-keir-starmer-windfall-tax?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">GB News<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Jobs and tax revenues:<\/strong> More drilling and production could sustain jobs in extraction and related sectors while generating revenues for government \u2014 funds that, according to supporters of the idea, could support green energy deployment. (<a title=\"The unresolved battle over the UK\u2019s oil and gas future | Envirotec\" href=\"https:\/\/envirotecmagazine.com\/2026\/02\/20\/a-debate-that-seems-reluctant-to-settle\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">envirotecmagazine.com<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, the report\u2019s economic case is <strong>contested<\/strong> by climate scientists and energy analysts. Research shows that <strong>existing global fossil fuel projects alone are sufficient to meet future energy demand under net-zero scenarios<\/strong>, and new fossil fuel developments could lead to stranded assets if climate commitments are upheld. (<a title=\"No new fossil fuel projects needed in the transition to Net Zero | UCL Faculty of Social &amp; Historical Sciences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/political-science\/news\/2024\/jun\/no-new-fossil-fuel-projects-needed-transition-net-zero?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">University College London<\/a>)<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Reactions_Public_Commentary\"><\/span>\u00a0Reactions &amp; Public Commentary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Government_and_Political_Responses\"><\/span>\u00a0Government and Political Responses<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Government sources<\/strong> criticised the Blair Institute\u2019s proposal, calling it <strong>\u201cnonsense\u201d<\/strong> and arguing that reversing the ban would neither reduce household energy bills nor improve energy security as claimed. They noted that UK policy aims to <strong>move away from expensive overseas fossil fuel markets<\/strong> and towards cleaner, home-grown power sources. Opponents also underline that new licences could accelerate climate change and conflict with net-zero goals. (<a title=\"'Nonsense': Miliband attacks Blair as former PM backs North Sea oil drilling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/environment\/comments\/1r3lyu6\/nonsense_miliband_attacks_blair_as_former_pm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Labour policymakers<\/strong> defending the ban say it helps fulfil international climate commitments and accelerates the shift to renewable energy. Many emphasise that while fossil fuels will still play a role during the energy transition, expanding new oil and gas exploration is not sustainable long-term. (<a title=\"'Nonsense': Miliband attacks Blair as former PM backs North Sea oil drilling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/environment\/comments\/1r3lyu6\/nonsense_miliband_attacks_blair_as_former_pm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Public_Debate\"><\/span>\u00a0Public Debate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Online discussions and reader comments reflect <strong>divided public opinion<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Some stakeholders argue that allowing more North Sea exploration would <strong>support energy independence and jobs<\/strong>, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and provide a buffer as renewables scale up. (<a title=\"'Nonsense': Miliband attacks Blair as former PM backs North Sea oil drilling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/environment\/comments\/1r3lyu6\/nonsense_miliband_attacks_blair_as_former_pm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Others emphasise the <strong>climate implications<\/strong> and potential incompatibility with UK climate goals like limiting global warming or meeting legally binding emissions targets. They argue that new fossil fuel projects are unnecessary if energy efficiency and renewable deployment increase. (<a title=\"No new fossil fuel projects needed in the transition to Net Zero | UCL Faculty of Social &amp; Historical Sciences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/political-science\/news\/2024\/jun\/no-new-fossil-fuel-projects-needed-transition-net-zero?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">University College London<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Broader_Climate_and_Policy_Trade-Offs\"><\/span>\u00a0Broader Climate and Policy Trade-Offs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The TBI\u2019s recommendations come amid a larger debate about how to balance:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Climate commitments (like net zero by 2050)<\/strong>,<\/li>\n<li><strong>Energy affordability and security<\/strong>, and<\/li>\n<li><strong>Economic growth and jobs.<\/strong><br \/>\nIndustry groups and some economists warn that banning new licences could require the UK to import more oil and gas from abroad, potentially increasing emissions and energy costs \u2014 a point referenced in related analyses. (<a title=\"No new fossil fuel projects needed in the transition to Net Zero | UCL Faculty of Social &amp; Historical Sciences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/political-science\/news\/2024\/jun\/no-new-fossil-fuel-projects-needed-transition-net-zero?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">University College London<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, climate research increasingly suggests that <strong>no new fossil fuel projects are needed<\/strong> to achieve net-zero goals, and that expanding renewables can be more affordable and sustainable in the long run. (<a title=\"No new fossil fuel projects needed in the transition to Net Zero | UCL Faculty of Social &amp; Historical Sciences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/political-science\/news\/2024\/jun\/no-new-fossil-fuel-projects-needed-transition-net-zero?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">University College London<\/a>)<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_In_Summary\"><\/span>\u00a0In Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>Tony Blair Institute\u2019s report<\/strong> urges the UK government to <strong>lift the ban on new oil and gas licences<\/strong> and <strong>cut the energy windfall tax<\/strong>, claiming this would boost investment, enhance energy security, and support economic growth. (<a title=\"Tony Blair think tank urges UK to reverse ban on new oil and gas licences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalnews.com\/business\/energy\/2026\/02\/13\/tony-blair-think-tank-urges-uk-to-reverse-ban-on-new-oil-and-gas-licences\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">The National<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Critics<\/strong>, including government sources and climate advocates, say the proposal <strong>undermines climate goals<\/strong>, would not lower consumer energy bills, and could hinder the energy transition to cleaner sources. (<a title=\"'Nonsense': Miliband attacks Blair as former PM backs North Sea oil drilling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/environment\/comments\/1r3lyu6\/nonsense_miliband_attacks_blair_as_former_pm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>The debate reflects wider tensions in UK energy policy between <strong>meeting climate commitments<\/strong> and <strong>managing energy affordability, security, and economic competitiveness<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Here\u2019s a <strong>detailed, case-centered summary<\/strong> of the <strong>Tony Blair Institute\u2019s (TBI) call for the UK government to lift the ban on new oil and gas licences<\/strong>, including <strong>real examples, expert and public comments, and reactions from different sides of the debate<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_What_the_Tony_Blair_Institute_Is_Arguing\"><\/span>\u00a0What the Tony Blair Institute Is Arguing<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The <strong>Tony Blair Institute for Global Change<\/strong> has published a policy paper urging the UK government to <strong>reverse its ban on issuing new licences for oil and gas exploration and production in the North Sea<\/strong>. It also recommends <strong>scrapping the energy windfall tax<\/strong> on fossil fuel companies to <strong>boost investment and domestic energy security<\/strong>. The think tank says the current approach \u2014 focused mainly on clean power targets \u2014 risks higher costs, lower domestic supply, and reduced energy sovereignty, contending that energy strategy should prioritise <strong>affordability, reliability and security alongside decarbonisation<\/strong>. (<a title=\"Energy alert: Tony Blair think tank urges Keir Starmer to axe 38% windfall tax as 'UK in the wrong direction'\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbnews.com\/money\/energy-tony-blair-keir-starmer-windfall-tax?debugld=stickybtest&amp;id=46&amp;page=1&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\">GB News<\/a>)<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Case-Like_Examples_Strategic_Claims\"><\/span>\u00a0Case-Like Examples &amp; Strategic Claims<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Energy_Security_Economic_Potential\"><\/span><strong>Energy Security &amp; Economic Potential<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Although not a named commercial case, the TBI report frames the <strong>North Sea basin as a \u201chome-grown strategic national asset\u201d<\/strong> with an estimated economic value running into the tens of billions of pounds. Its authors argue reversing the exploration ban could attract investment, preserve jobs, and generate revenues for the UK \u2014 boosting tax contributions that could support other parts of the energy transition. (<a title=\"'Nonsense': Miliband attacks Blair as former PM backs North Sea oil drilling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/environment\/comments\/1r3lyu6\/nonsense_miliband_attacks_blair_as_former_pm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Policy_Risk_Investment_Deterrence\"><\/span><strong>Policy Risk &amp; Investment Deterrence<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The think tank claims that the <strong>Energy Profits Levy<\/strong> (windfall tax) combined with the exploration ban has increased fiscal and regulatory uncertainty, leading to <strong>reduced investment willingness<\/strong> from oil and gas companies \u2014 a real concern expressed by industry groups and reflected in parliamentary discussion on co-existence with wind and other offshore uses. (<a title=\"Energy alert: Tony Blair think tank urges Keir Starmer to axe 38% windfall tax as 'UK in the wrong direction'\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbnews.com\/money\/energy-tony-blair-keir-starmer-windfall-tax?debugld=stickybtest&amp;id=46&amp;page=1&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\">GB News<\/a>)<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Reactions_from_Experts_Stakeholders\"><\/span>\u00a0Reactions from Experts &amp; Stakeholders<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Government_Criticism\"><\/span><strong>Government Criticism<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Critics within government circles have dismissed the proposals as <strong>\u201cnonsense\u201d<\/strong> and argued that <strong>lifting the ban would not lower household energy bills<\/strong> or improve long-term energy security. They emphasise that clean energy policy \u2014 with renewable investment and reduced dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets \u2014 is the sustainable route to stable energy prices and independence from \u201cpetrostates and dictators\u201d controlling global fuels. (<a title=\"'Nonsense': Miliband attacks Blair as former PM backs North Sea oil drilling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/environment\/comments\/1r3lyu6\/nonsense_miliband_attacks_blair_as_former_pm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Climate_Advocacy_Responses\"><\/span><strong>Climate Advocacy Responses<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Environmental and campaign groups have been strongly critical. For example:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Tessa Khan<\/strong>, director of Uplift (a UK fossil fuel transition group), described the TBI report as echoing industry talking points, arguing that the <strong>North Sea is in terminal decline<\/strong> and new drilling would not meaningfully boost energy security. (<a title=\"'Nonsense': Miliband attacks Blair as former PM backs North Sea oil drilling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/environment\/comments\/1r3lyu6\/nonsense_miliband_attacks_blair_as_former_pm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Broader climate research suggests <strong>no new fossil fuel projects are needed<\/strong> for a credible path to net-zero emissions, and banning new licences is key for meeting international climate goals, meaning the policy the TBI rejects is viewed by many scientists as consistent with emissions science. (<a title=\"No new fossil fuel projects needed in the transition to Net Zero | UCL Faculty of Social &amp; Historical Sciences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/political-science\/news\/2024\/jun\/no-new-fossil-fuel-projects-needed-transition-net-zero?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">University College London<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Public_Community_Comments\"><\/span>\u00a0Public &amp; Community Comments<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The debate has also played out in public forums and online comments, showing a <strong>wide range of views<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Supportive_Voices\"><\/span>\u00a0Supportive Voices<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some commentators argue that:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Banning new oil and gas licences risks making the UK even more <strong>dependent on imported fuel<\/strong>, which they see as a threat to energy security and price stability \u2014 especially if foreign suppliers are unstable or geopolitical conflicts rise. (<a title=\"Tory failed Net Zero so Labour should have a different approach\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/LabourPartyUK\/comments\/1keocvi?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Domestic production tax revenues and jobs should be prioritised, rather than continuing to make the UK reliant on foreign gas and oil markets. (<a title=\"Tory failed Net Zero so Labour should have a different approach\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/LabourPartyUK\/comments\/1keocvi?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Critical_or_Opposing_Views\"><\/span>\u00a0Critical or Opposing Views<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Environmental-leaning commenters emphasise that:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>New fossil fuel exploration would further <strong>accelerate climate change<\/strong>, undermining emissions targets and net-zero commitments. (<a title=\"'Nonsense': Miliband attacks Blair as former PM backs North Sea oil drilling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/environment\/comments\/1r3lyu6\/nonsense_miliband_attacks_blair_as_former_pm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Even proponents of domestic energy production elsewhere have pointed out that expanding fossil fuel use can be counterproductive, as global and UK climate science indicate existing projects can meet near-term energy demands without new exploration. (<a title=\"No new fossil fuel projects needed in the transition to Net Zero | UCL Faculty of Social &amp; Historical Sciences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/political-science\/news\/2024\/jun\/no-new-fossil-fuel-projects-needed-transition-net-zero?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">University College London<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_Wider_Policy_Context\"><\/span>\u00a0Wider Policy Context<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The TBI\u2019s call comes amid a broader national debate over UK energy policy:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The Climate Change Committee<\/strong> (a statutory advisory body) has warned that issuing new oil and gas licences contradicts climate goals and could significantly increase carbon emissions, reinforcing that <strong>no new fossil fuel projects are necessary<\/strong> for a realistic energy transition. (<a title=\"UK Committee: New Oil, Gas Licenses Clash with Climate Goals\" href=\"https:\/\/newhorizonoilandgas.com\/uk-committee-new-oil-gas-licenses-clash-with-climate-goals\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">New Horizon Oil &amp; Gas<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li>Some business representatives and industry bodies argue the UK needs a predictable licensing process to manage the decline of North Sea production while safeguarding jobs and energy infrastructure. (<a title=\"LIBRARY \nBRIEFING \nHL Bill 49 of 2023\u201324 \nOffshore\" href=\"https:\/\/researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk\/documents\/LLN-2024-0011\/LLN-2024-0011.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Research Briefings<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"_In_Summary-2\"><\/span>\u00a0In Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>The <strong>Tony Blair Institute<\/strong> wants the UK government to <strong>reverse its ban on new oil and gas licences<\/strong> and cut the windfall tax to attract investment and enhance energy security. (<a title=\"Energy alert: Tony Blair think tank urges Keir Starmer to axe 38% windfall tax as 'UK in the wrong direction'\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gbnews.com\/money\/energy-tony-blair-keir-starmer-windfall-tax?debugld=stickybtest&amp;id=46&amp;page=1&amp;utm_source=chatgpt.com\">GB News<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Government policymakers<\/strong> have criticised the proposals, saying they wouldn\u2019t lower energy bills and would conflict with clean energy plans. (<a title=\"'Nonsense': Miliband attacks Blair as former PM backs North Sea oil drilling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/environment\/comments\/1r3lyu6\/nonsense_miliband_attacks_blair_as_former_pm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Environmental groups and scientists<\/strong> argue that boosting oil and gas licences contradicts climate objectives and that <strong>no new fossil fuel projects are needed<\/strong> to meet net-zero targets. (<a title=\"No new fossil fuel projects needed in the transition to Net Zero | UCL Faculty of Social &amp; Historical Sciences\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucl.ac.uk\/political-science\/news\/2024\/jun\/no-new-fossil-fuel-projects-needed-transition-net-zero?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">University College London<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Public debates and comments<\/strong> show a deep divide between those prioritising economic and security concerns and those emphasising climate commitments and long-term sustainability. (<a title=\"'Nonsense': Miliband attacks Blair as former PM backs North Sea oil drilling\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reddit.com\/r\/environment\/comments\/1r3lyu6\/nonsense_miliband_attacks_blair_as_former_pm\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\">Reddit<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u00a0What the Report Called For The report by the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) says the UK government\u2019s current energy strategy is \u201cleading the UK in&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-991513","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-gb-news","category-uk-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Tony Blair Institute urges UK government to lift ban on new oil and gas licences - UK News &amp; 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