UK offers licensing round for North Sea oil & gas exploration despite oppn

The British government opened a new licensing round for North Sea oil and gas exploration Friday despite criticism from environmentalists and scientists who say the move undermines the country’s commitment to fighting climate change.

The Conservative government argues that extracting more fossil fuels from the North Sea will create jobs and strengthen UK energy security, and is less environmentally harmful than importing gas and oil from abroad.

I know it sounds contradictory but it’s actually good for the environment, Climate Minister Graham Stuart said.

When we burn our own gas, it’s got lower emissions around its production than foreign gas as well as supporting British jobs, he told the BBC.