Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Legal challenge to government's support for North Sea fossil fuel extraction given go-ahead
A view of part of the BP Etap platform (Eastern Trough Area Project) in the North Sea, around 100 miles east of Aberdeen, Scotland, in February 2014

THE High Court has given the go-ahead for a legal challenge to government support for North Sea oil and gas — a case that could spell the end for production that relies on generous public subsidies.

Environmental campaigners are seeking a declaration from the court that the state-owned Oil and Gas Authority’s (OGA) new strategy is unlawful because it encourages uneconomic production and conflicts with Britain’s legal duty to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

A High Court order this week found that claimants had “presented an arguable case … in the public interest” and that the claim has sufficient merit to proceed.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
EMPHASIS ON PLAN: Members of the Unite rally at the Scottish Parliament in November last year in protest at Petroineos plans to close Grangemouth oil refinery
Climate Crisis / 20 December 2025
20 December 2025

As fossil fuels have had their day, JOSIE MIZEN makes it clear that it is now the government’s responsibility to initiate the transition to alternative employment in a manner that is organised, efficient and effective