PLANS to expand North Sea oil and gas production may not bring household energy bills down, Energy Secretary Claire Coutinho admitted today.

In response to questions on the government’s controversial plans plans for oil and gas expansion, Ms Coutinho told BBC Breakfast: “It wouldn’t necessarily bring energy bills down, that’s not what we’re saying.”

Her comments have been branded a “stunning admission” by Labour, after her predecessor, Grant Shapps, claimed earlier this year that plans to “max out” North Sea reserves were part of an effort to avoid “price surges” and prevent “Putin or anyone else holding us to ransom.”