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Labour risks “paying the price” at the ballot box over its refusal to back new North Sea drilling, as union leaders warn that Net Zero policies could cost the party seats in next month’s local elections.
Ed Miliband is facing mounting criticism from within Labour’s traditional support base, with Unite the Union urging the Government to approve new oil and gas projects or risk electoral losses.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said the refusal to utilise domestic reserves was harming the party as households struggle with rising fuel costs linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Graham said: “The Government’s energy policies in both Westminster and Holyrood are putting jobs and energy security at risk.
This is an act of self-harm, and Labour will certainly pay the price in the May elections.
“Unite has a clear and stark message as energy bills rocket due to the Iran war – we must keep the North Sea working and fund a concrete plan for jobs.
“Voters can see that it is a big mistake to let go of one rope before we have hold of another.
The criticism has been echoed by GMB, whose general secretary, Gary Smith, called the current Net Zero strategy “absolute madness” amid soaring energy bills. He warned it would be “shameful” for Labour to repeat the economic damage suffered by industrial communities in the 1980s.
At the centre of the row are major projects including the Rosebank oil field, estimated to hold 300 million barrels of oil, and the Jackdaw gas field, which could supply around 6% of Britain’s annual gas demand. Neither has yet received approval from the Energy Secretary.
The dispute threatens to open a rift at the top of Government, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves backing both projects, arguing that domestic production would boost jobs and tax revenues.
Labour MPs are increasingly siding with the Treasury. Henry Tufnell said North Sea exploration was essential for energy security and economic growth.
The growing rebellion underscores the political risk facing Labour as it seeks to balance its Net Zero ambitions with mounting pressure over the cost of living.
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