Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has launched a sharp critique of the UK Government's stance on domestic energy, branding it "out of step" with public opinion. Her comments come alongside the release of a new poll indicating significant support for the full development of North Sea oil and gas resources.
Public Opinion at Odds with Government Policy
The survey, conducted by Survation for the consultancy True North, quizzed 1,003 people between 8 and 12 January 2026. It found that 58% of respondents support the full development of the North Sea. Furthermore, an overwhelming 75% stated that the UK's energy needs should be met through domestic supply rather than imports.
Publishing the findings, True North's senior energy adviser, Allister Thomas, said the data highlighted a clear public recognition of the industry's role. "This polling underlines the widespread public support for our world-class oil and gas industry with a clear majority of voters recognising its immense contribution to the UK's energy and economic security," he stated.
Badenoch's Aberdeen Critique
Speaking to journalists during a visit to Aberdeen on Friday 16 January 2026, Mrs Badenoch directly attacked the Labour administration's approach. "I think the Labour Party have been out of step with public opinion since the day that they came into office," she asserted.
She argued that the government's strategy was fundamentally flawed, comparing it to an illogical technological transition. "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," Badenoch said.
She elaborated with an analogy: "You didn't need to ban typewriters before computers were proliferating everywhere. That's what Labour is doing now – 'let's ban the typewriters and it will force people to go and get a PC'. That is a stupid way of doing things."
The Tory leader expressed hope that the government could be persuaded to alter its current policy, confirming she was actively "working towards that".
Political Rebuttal and the Road Ahead
In response, a Labour Party spokeswoman defended the government's record and vision. "While the Tories are testing out policy positions as their own MPs jump ship to Reform, this Government is working to deliver for the British people, taking money off bills and making Britain's energy security a priority – none of which will be achieved through issuing new licences," she said.
The spokeswoman outlined Labour's alternative plan, emphasising "record investment to grow the clean energy industry while supporting the management of existing oil and gas fields for their lifespan and delivering the next generation of good jobs for North Sea workers."
With the Scottish Parliament elections just four months away, Allister Thomas of True North pointed to a "clear gap between public sentiment and current policy." He argued that while renewables are crucial for the long term, "it is economically and environmentally responsible to meet domestic demand from the North Sea in the meantime."
