Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has launched a fierce attack on the UK Government's energy strategy, branding it "out of step" with public opinion. Her criticism comes as a major new poll reveals significant support for the full development of North Sea oil and gas reserves.
Poll Reveals Public Backing for Domestic Energy
The survey, conducted by Survation for the consultancy True North between 8 and 12 January 2026, spoke to 1,003 people. It found that 58% of respondents support the full development of the North Sea. Furthermore, a striking 75% agreed that the UK's energy needs should be met through domestic supply rather than imports.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to Aberdeen on Friday, Mrs Badenoch seized on the findings to criticise the Labour administration. "I think the Labour Party have been out of step with public opinion since the day that they came into office," she stated.
Badenoch's Critique and Policy Vision
The Tory leader argued that the government's approach was fundamentally flawed, comparing it to banning typewriters before computers were widely available. "Yes, oil is a finite resource, so let's finish it," she said, advocating for a parallel strategy with renewables. "We can start with renewables in tandem. What's happening is that they're pressing stop on oil and gas and then hoping that renewables will work – that is a silly way to carry out a policy."
Mrs Badenoch claimed the government's current stance was a result of lacking a coherent plan, leading to frequent policy U-turns. She expressed hope that she could persuade ministers to change course and confirmed she was "working towards that" goal.
Industry Reaction and Policy Context
Commenting on the poll's publication, Allister Thomas, senior energy adviser at True North, said the results highlighted a clear disconnect between public sentiment and government action. "This polling underlines the widespread public support for our world-class oil and gas industry," he noted.
He pointed to the enduring Energy Profits Levy from 2022, normalised oil and gas prices, and the current ban on new exploration as factors creating a challenging environment. Thomas argued that, with the UK still heavily reliant on higher-emission imports, using domestic North Sea resources was both economically and environmentally responsible during the transition to renewables.
The poll's release comes just four months before the Scottish Parliament elections, potentially placing energy policy at the heart of the campaign. The UK Government has been approached for comment on the criticisms levelled by the Conservative leader.
