Reform UK has announced plans to revive North Sea oil and gas drilling as a top priority if elected, promising taxpayer-backed investments and a full policy reversal on energy.
The party’s leader, Richard Tice, has reportedly met with leading UK oil executives over the past few weeks to assure them of Reform UK’s full support. These discussions come as the industry continues to grapple with harsh government measures, including the windfall tax and restrictions on new drilling licences in the North Sea.
According to insiders, Tice offered a bold commitment: a “day one” reversal of the current ban on fresh oil and gas exploration, should the party assume power following the 2029 general election. Reform UK intends to go further by injecting billions of pounds in public funds into fossil fuel developments. These investments would translate into equity stakes for British taxpayers, aligning public financial interests with oil and gas companies.
“As long as there’s oil in the North Sea, we should be drilling for it,” said a spokesperson for the party. “There are clear benefits for securing jobs and energy independence.”
The party’s move is seen as a direct counter to Labour’s environmental agenda, which led to a freeze in new exploration licences shortly after their recent rise to power. That decision was part of Labour’s broader climate policy, which aims to scale back reliance on fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy infrastructure.
Adding weight to the debate, U.S. President Donald Trump recently weighed in, urging the UK to curb its rising energy costs. He criticized wind energy and called on the government to “incentivise modernised drilling in the North Sea, where large amounts of oil lay waiting to be taken.”
Trump’s remarks, however, have been sharply criticized by environmental organizations. These groups argue that global energy price fluctuations, not wind farms, are behind Britain’s energy challenges, and they contend that renewables offer more affordable long-term solutions.
Public Stakes In Fossil Fuel Projects
Reform UK has promised more policy announcements in the coming months, but its current stance is already raising eyebrows. A party spokesperson hinted that upcoming proposals may include the complete withdrawal of renewable energy subsidies. This would mark a seismic shift in Britain’s environmental policy and effectively dismantle the government’s net zero strategy.
That net zero plan includes targets to double the country’s onshore wind capacity, triple its solar power generation, and quadruple offshore wind output by 2030. Reform UK’s approach would push in the opposite direction.
“If people want to invest in renewables without subsidies, they’d be welcome to do that,” the spokesperson noted.
Earlier this month, Tice went on the offensive during a speech in Lincolnshire, where Reform UK recently gained control of the local council. He lashed out at renewable infrastructure projects, calling the net zero agenda “net stupid zero.” His comments made it clear that the party would obstruct green projects at every opportunity.
“We will attack, we will hinder, we will delay, we will obstruct, we will put every hurdle in your way. It’s going to cost you a fortune, and you’re not going to win. So give up and go away.”
Richard Tice
Founded by former UKIP leader Nigel Farage, Reform UK has been gaining traction through its twin messaging on immigration and energy. Their base appears to support both a hardline stance on border control and an aggressive rollback of green policies.
Tice has promised that the current political landscape will undergo “a sea change in less than four years.”
“You should be getting your licence applications ready for Reform to fast-track when it comes into government … I want these firms to know they are working with a shadow government that is willing to tick the box as soon as we get in.”
Richard Tice
As the next election approaches, Reform UK’s stance signals a deepening divide over the future of Britain’s energy strategy between those looking to green the grid and those seeking a return to black gold.
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