Rishi Sunak brands Labour a Just Stop Oil ‘splinter group’ in think tank speech as PM takes aim at Keir Starmer’s plan to block new North Sea drilling
- The Prime Minister jibes that Labour should be known as ‘Just Stop British Oil’
Rishi Sunak last night branded Labour a ‘splinter group’ of eco-zealots Just Stop Oil as he took aim at Sir Keir Starmer’s energy plans.
The Prime Minister, speaking at a drinks event, jibed that Labour should be known as ‘Just Stop British Oil’ over their bid to block new North Sea oil and gas developments.
Mr Sunak noted how Just Stop Oil are part-funded by multi-millionaire green energy boss Dale Vince, who has also made a series of donations to Labour over the years.
He swiped at Sir Keir for being a ’60-year-old lawyer from north London, who has a long history – which he now tries to deny – of associating with hard-left figures’.
The PM lashed out at Labour as he addressed the Policy Exchange think tank’s summer reception at Westminster Abbey’s College Garden.
It came after Mr Sunak praised England cricketer Jonny Bairstow for halting a Just Stop Oil protester as the group attempted to disrupt Wednesday’s play at Lord’s.
Rishi Sunak, speaking at a Policy Exchange event, jibed that Labour should be known as ‘Just Stop British Oil’ over their bid to block new North Sea oil and gas developments
If they win the next general election, Sir Keir’s Labour have said they will not grant any licences to explore new oil and gas fields in the North Sea
Mr Sunak praised England cricketer Jonny Bairstow for halting a Just Stop Oil protester as the group attempted to disrupt Wednesday’s play at Lord’s
The PM hailed Policy Exchange for their efforts in helping to craft new Government legislation aimed at tackling the disruptive protests of groups such as Just Stop Oil.
‘I’m also trying to prevent the disruption of a splinter group of Just Stop Oil – or Just Stop British Oil, and the damage they will cause,’ Mr Sunak said.
‘It is in part funded by the same person.
‘This splinter group is led by a 60-year-old lawyer from north London, who has a long history – which he now tries to deny – of associating with hard-left figures.
‘But their policies would threaten both our energy security and our jobs here in the UK. My job is to stop that from happening.’
If they win the next general election, Labour have said they will not grant any licences to explore new oil and gas fields in the North Sea.
But, amid pressure from the party’s trade union backers, Sir Keir has pledged to honour any licences in existence at the time of the next election.
Since becoming PM, Mr Sunak has pledged his ‘wholehearted support’ to the UK’s oil and gas industry and stressed Britain will need to ‘rely’ on fossil fuels for decades to come.
He has insisted it ‘makes sense’ to utilise sources in the UK rather than rely on imports as the country transitions away from hydrocarbons.
The Government opened up a new licensing round last year to allow oil and gas companies to explore for fossil fuels in the North Sea.
Mr Sunak’s jibe at Labour’s energy policy came after he hailed the actions of England cricketers when Just Stop Oil campaigners ran onto the Lord’s ground yesterday and threw orange paint dust.
The PM’s official spokesman said: ‘These sorts of selfish, guerrilla tactics that target events bringing joy to millions are exactly why the Government brought in new powers so the police can take swift action.
‘The Prime Minister is pleased play was able to resume quickly and thanks security staff, the swift hands of Jonny Bairstow and other England players who stepped in.’
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