British premier, opposition leader clash about North Sea gas plans

LONDON

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch clashed Wednesday about North Sea gas and oil plans during the weekly Prime Minister’s Questions session.

Badenoch asked Starmer if he would “approve the licenses for Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea.”

Starmer replied that it was a matter for the energy secretary, but the only way to “take control of our energy prices” is through renewable sources.

Badenoch argued that approving new licenses would show the prime minister is serious about cutting bills.

Starmer responded that the government has taken measures to “protect households across the country” and attributed the spike in prices to the US-Israeli war with Iran. He said the way forward is a mix of renewable energy alongside oil and gas.

Oil prices declined Wednesday, driven by easing supply concerns following remarks by US President Donald Trump about negotiations with Iran, after American and Israeli forces attacked Iran in late February, and Tehran’s subsequent closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

International benchmark Brent crude traded at $96.52 per barrel at 9.32 am local time (0632GMT), down 3.7% from the previous close of $100.23.

• Keir Starmer
• Kemi Badenoch