Reform UK pushes expanded North Sea drilling in energy talks
(Bloomberg) — Richard Tice told major energy companies that Reform UK would prioritize lower energy costs and expanded domestic oil and gas production if the party wins the next UK general election, signaling a potential shift away from Britain’s current net-zero-focused energy strategy.
Speaking during a roundtable meeting with executives from companies including bp, Shell, EDF Energy and SSE plc, Tice reportedly focused heavily on increasing drilling activity in the North Sea and reducing energy costs for businesses and consumers.
The event was hosted by the Centre for a Better Britain, a think tank staffed by former associates of Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
According to attendees, Tice provided few additional details on how Reform UK would implement its broader plans to roll back renewable-energy subsidies and reshape Britain’s energy mix. However, the meeting underscored the growing political attention surrounding the party, which has led several national opinion polls over the past year.
Reform UK has increasingly positioned itself as a pro-fossil-fuel alternative to both Labour and Conservative energy policies, arguing that high energy costs are undermining industrial competitiveness and economic growth.
“If you are anti-energy, you are anti-growth by definition,” Tice told Bloomberg following the event.
Tice has repeatedly criticized Britain’s current climate and energy policies, referring to the country’s net-zero strategy as “net stupid zero.” He has advocated for expanded North Sea drilling, additional domestic oil and gas production and renewed support for shale gas development.
The political pressure surrounding UK energy policy has intensified amid elevated energy prices and broader concerns about industrial competitiveness, energy security and economic growth.
The Centre for a Better Britain also released a report arguing that declining UK energy consumption reflects weakening industrial activity rather than improved efficiency. The report called for simplified regulation, additional domestic fossil fuel development and energy pricing reforms.
The think tank said Britain’s energy strategy should prioritize supply security and competitive pricing while supporting domestic production.
The debate has also exposed divisions within the ruling Labour government. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair recently argued in favor of lower-cost energy and continued North Sea development, while Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has maintained that renewable energy investments will provide lower long-term costs and greater insulation from geopolitical disruptions.
Several participants at the meeting said renewable energy policy was discussed only indirectly despite the presence of executives from major power and utility companies.
Top image: Shell.
