UK Government's Controversial Stance on North Sea Oil and Gas Drilling

The British government has announced plans to issue "hundreds" of new licenses for oil and natural gas exploration in the North Sea, signaling support for the oil and gas industry ahead of the next general election. The government also pledged support for carbon capture projects, which involve capturing CO2 emissions and injecting them into depleted reservoirs under the North Sea. The move comes as concerns about energy security and jobs outweigh efforts to address climate change. The announcement could boost confidence in the industry, which has faced challenges in recent months, including windfall taxes and declining profitability.