Net zero Ministers relax rules for North Sea drilling projects

Jacob-rees Mogg, the Business Secretary, has watered down net zero restrictions on North Sea oil and gas projects as ministers push for a drilling spree to boost Britain’s energy security.

A “checkpoint” that new developments must pass to get approval will no longer feature tests requiring regulators to take account of the carbon emissions they could generate. The shelving of the proposal comes as the Government prepares to open a new licensing round that could grant more than 100 permits for drilling in the North Sea.

Oil and gas companies said the decision would ensure “more control over our own economy” and make the UK “less dependent on other countries”.