Starmer facing calls to rethink approach to North Sea drilling'

The Independent emphasizes the need to separate facts from messaging and to keep reporting accessible without paywalls. It describes coverage spanning reproductive rights, climate change, and Big Tech, including investigations and documentaries. The article then reports that Keir Starmer faces pressure from cabinet ministers to rethink opposition to new North Sea drilling. The pressure follows an intervention by Tony Blair urging the prime minister to abandon key green commitments. Ministers warn that the government may overlook economic benefits from domestic oil and gas production. Starmer has argued that new drilling would not reduce domestic oil prices because prices are set internationally, but ministers and industry figures challenge that claim and argue domestic production could strengthen the pound and lower economy-wide costs.

"Sir Keir Starmer is said to be under pressure from cabinet ministers to rethink his opposition to new North Sea drilling amid growing economic pressure from the war in Iran. It comes after Sir Tony Blair launched a major intervention on Tuesday where he urged the prime minister to tear up key green commitments. Sources told The Times that ministers are warning the government risks ignoring wider economic benefits that could come from domestic oil and gas production."

"While Sir Keir has argued that new drilling in the North Sea would not reduce domestic oil prices because they are set internationally, some ministers and industry figures are now thought to be challenging this claim, instead arguing that boosting domestic oil and gas production could strengthen the pound and lower costs across the economy."

"One Whitehall source told the newspaper: People keep saying that it won't take a penny off' bills. But if it improves your balance of payments, it helps your currency, potentially letting you get more"

Read at www.independent.co.uk