Sunak to stress energy security in upcoming meeting with industry bosses

The government is preparing to set out new details of its plans for the UK’s fossil fuel and green industries

Energy bosses will gather this week for meetings with the Government, as it prepares to set out new details of its plans for the UK’s fossil fuel and green industries.

Ministers are expected to provide an update on the delivery of the Government’s energy security plans, with support also due to be announced for carbon capture and new renewable technologies in Britain.

Rishi Sunak and Energy Security Secretary Grant Shapps will meet top figures from the oil and gas, renewable and nuclear industries over the course of the week.

It comes after days of criticism and questions for Mr Sunak, amid concerns over a softening of the Government commitment to key net zero policies and environmental promises, after anger over London’s ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) helped seal victory for the Tories in the Uxbridge by-election.

The expansion of the controversial Ulez scheme has been seen by some as a reason why the Conservatives held onto Uxbridge. Credit: PA

The Government, despite alarm from climate campaigners, is also committed to new oil and gas licences in the North Sea.

This comes alongside efforts to revive nuclear energy within the UK, with Mr Shapps hoping to make it a key plank in the Government’s net zero strategy.

Such moves have been deemed increasingly necessary since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Mr Shapps hailing energy security as “national security”.

“Since Putin’s illegal invasion of Ukraine the Government has driven Putin from our energy market, paid around half of a typical family’s energy bill and grown our economy by driving forward major energy projects,” he said.

“This week we will go even further. Forging ahead with critical measures to power up Britain from Britain, including supporting our invaluable oil and gas industry, making the most of our home-grown energy sources and backing British innovation in renewables."

However the shadow climate secretary, Ed Miliband said: “Every family and business is paying the price, in higher energy bills, of 13 years of failed Tory energy policy.

“Labour will take no lessons from the party that banned onshore wind, crashed the market for solar, stalled energy efficiency, haven’t got any new nuclear plants started, and left us at the mercy of tyrants across the world."

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know...