Former energy minister to resign over North Sea oil and gas licences

Chris Skidmore has announced his shock resignation with a scathing attack on the Prime Minister's environmental stance

Chris Skidmore OBE
Author: Oliver MorganPublished 5th Jan 2024
Last updated 5th Jan 2024

The representative for Kingswood in South Gloucestershire - Chris Skidmore - is poised to resign as a Member of Parliament.

His shock resignation announcement comes over the proposed legislation allowing new oil and gas licences in the North Sea - something the Government has previously said will help the UK continue to protect jobs, reduce emissions and boost the country's energy independence.

Mr Skidmore previously led a Government review of net zero, but today (5 January) announced he would stand down, with a scathing attack on the Prime Minister's environmental stance.

The MP said the "future will judge harshly" anyone who backs the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill due before the Commons on Monday.

He said he could not vote for legislation that "clearly promotes the production of new oil and gas" and would show the UK is "rowing ever further back from its climate commitments".

"To fail to act, rather than merely speak out, is to tolerate a status quo that cannot be sustained," he said in his resignation statement.

Mr Skidmore said he would resign the Conservative whip to make him an independent and quit as an MP "as soon as possible".

He confirmed to the PA news agency that he would quit "next week when Parliament is back".

The House of Commons is still on its Christmas recess - but returns on Monday

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