Britain Cannot 'Just Stop Oil' – And Trying To Is Making Us Poorer, Dirtier And Less Secure, New IEA Paper Warns
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Photo by Jan-Rune Smenes Reite: Pexels
No credible forecast shows UK oil and gas demand falling to zero by 2050, even under net zero scenarios – oil and gas are essential ingredients in plastics, fertilisers, medicines and modern technology. The 78% headline tax rate is forcing a decline in North Sea production and driving investment overseas, with the workforce forecast to halve to as low as 57,000 by the early 2030s – losing up to 1,000 jobs a month. Replacing domestic production with imports increases overall emissions by around 50% and risks gas shortages on cold winter days as early as 2026/27.
P.ublished 18th February 2026