Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's think tank has criticized the UK government's plans to progressively reduce oil and gas production. The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) urged British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to reverse the government's ban on issuing new licenses for oil and gas exploration and to alleviate the high tax burden imposed on the industry. Blair's institute warned that oil and gas need to remain part of the UK's energy portfolio for many years to come and that the country cannot afford to treat domestic production as a "moral signal rather than a strategic asset."

The report supported by the former Prime Minister echoes criticisms voiced by U.S. President Donald Trump, who labeled the North Sea as a "great asset" that the UK should utilize. In a statement, Trump remarked, "They are sitting on top of one of the world's largest reserves. But they are not using it." This perspective echoes a broader debate within the UK on energy security, sustainability, and the future role of fossil fuels in national energy strategy, especially in the context of climate change commitments.

The call from Blair's institute underscores a clear divide in political opinion regarding energy policy within the UK. As the nation grapples with the implications of its energy decisions, the push to continue tapping into domestic oil and gas resources poses significant economic and environmental questions, including the balance between immediate energy needs and long-term climate goals.