LIVE: British PM Starmer takes questions in parliament
TL;DR
Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended his refusal to directly approve new North Sea oil licenses, citing legal constraints and advocating for renewables, while clashing with opposition leader Kemi Badenoch over energy security and the UK's stance on the Iran-Israel conflict.
⚡ North Sea Energy Licensing Standoff 4 insights
Starmer refuses to bypass Energy Secretary on licenses
The Prime Minister insisted approving Rosebank and Jackdaw gas field licenses is a quasi-judicial duty for the Energy Secretary under statute, not a decision for the PM.
UK drilling drought versus Norway expansion
Badenoch highlighted that Britain drilled zero new wells in 2024 for the first time since 1964, while Norway's Labour government drilled 49 wells.
Jackdaw field potential for winter heating
The opposition argued the Jackdaw gas field could be operational before winter, heating 1.6 million homes across Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex.
Bill caps and renewable transition
Starmer announced household energy bills will be capped until June and emphasized transitioning to renewables to escape the fossil fuel roller coaster.
🌍 Middle East Conflict & Economic Fallout 4 insights
Refusal to join Iran-Israel war
Starmer repeatedly stated he will not join the Iran-Israel conflict, accusing the opposition of wanting to outsource British foreign policy to the US without considering consequences.
Allegations of Trump insider trading
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey raised concerns about suspicious oil futures trading before Trump's Iran announcement, suggesting corruption and insider information.
Israeli settlements deemed unlawful
Starmer affirmed that Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including the E1 project, constitute a flagrant breach of international law threatening the two-state solution.
£500 energy bill spike warning
Multiple MPs warned that continued Middle East escalation could drive UK energy bills up by £500, though Starmer guaranteed the price cap would hold until June regardless of conflict.
🛡️ Political Integrity & Immigration 4 insights
Cryptocurrency donation ban announced
Starmer announced a moratorium on all political donations made through cryptocurrencies to combat foreign interference and illicit finance in British politics.
Farage attacks immigration record
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage attacked the government's immigration record, citing 70,000 arrivals and 1,000 crossings in the past week as proof of policy failure.
Reform council performance criticized
Starmer criticized Reform-controlled councils in Kent, Worcestershire, and Staffordshire for cutting social care, hiking council tax by 9%, and mismanaging £47 million in pothole repair funds.
Russian interference allegations
Labour MPs pressed for action against foreign influence, referencing a convicted Reform UK politician who allegedly took Russian bribes.
More from Reuters
View all
A conversation with Pulitzer winners
Reuters journalists discuss their Pulitzer-winning investigations into Meta's harmful AI practices and Trump's campaign of governmental retribution, alongside finalist work on Southeast Asian scam centers and immigration crackdown photography, revealing the methodological innovations and human sourcing required to expose institutional abuse.
LIVE: Fernandez takes office as Costa Rican president
Laura Fernández Delgado is sworn in as President of Costa Rica for the 2026-2030 constitutional term, receiving the presidential sash from outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves in a ceremony emphasizing institutional reform and the fight against corruption.
LIVE: David Attenborough's 100th birthday celebrated in London
At a London celebration for Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday, wildlife presenter Steve Backshall and BBC host Greg James reflected on his revolutionary impact on nature broadcasting, his masterful storytelling techniques, and his unique ability to inspire audiences across all age groups.
LIVE: Ceremony commemorating the end of World War II, in Paris
Behind-the-scenes audio from Paris captures President Macron and officials preparing for France's Victory in Europe Day ceremony, featuring interactions with WWII veterans, Resistance medal recipients, and the symbolic flame relighting at the Arc de Triomphe.