UK premier to discuss energy security with local industry bosses

UK 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, according to Express and Star.

Prime Minister 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 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 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.

“And across government, we will champion Britain’s businesses to deliver on the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy – helping them to create new jobs and even whole new industries across the UK.”

New investment plans are expected to form part of a slate of announcements, as ministers say the government strategy will also boost jobs and grow the British economy.

According to the Sunday Times, Sunak will start the week in Aberdeenshire where he will announce millions of pounds in funding for the Acorn carbon capture project, a joint venture between Shell UK and other companies.