Global Markets
Home›Global Markets›Trade & Tariffs›Labour may lose seats to Greens if North Sea drilling…
Labour may lose seats to Greens if North Sea drilling is approved
Green Party analysis says up to 50 Labour MPs in key “Labour v Green” seats could lose their seats if the government prioritizes new UK North Sea oil and gas drilling instead of urgent climate action.
The Guardian reports that the Green Party says internal analysis shows Labour could lose dozens of seats to it in the next UK election if the government approves new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
The Green Party analysis, shared with the outlet, suggests voters in targeted Labour versus Green contests want “bold action” on the climate crisis, and that up to 50 Labour MPs could lose their seats, including allies of Andy Burnham. The analysis links voters' climate concerns to this summer’s record heatwaves, devastating wildfires, and crippling droughts in the UK.
Green Party deputy leader Rachel Millward said polling indicates voters want more from the government on climate change and does not want a new prime minister to retreat from party commitments. Labour, according to the report, dismissed the claims and pointed to a decline in the number of seats Greens are projected to win, from 20 to seven, since Burnham took office.
The article also notes that Burnham has said he would be “pragmatic” about oil and gas, with decisions on new drilling to be made “in due course.” It adds that some Labour MPs worry expanded drilling would conflict with an electorate alarmed by extreme weather and related impacts, including climate-related food inflation and potential supply shortages.