The United Kingdom is shaping a new stance in the global climate conversation. While many Western nations push to cut fossil fuel use and speed up the shift to low-emission mobility, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has approved decisions that appear to reverse some of that course. The government has given the go-ahead to a major oil project, and it signals delays to the phase-out of gasoline vehicles and recycling laws. Other measures that could curb traffic, plus potential taxes on meat consumption or air travel, are on the table for reconsideration.
Several of these steps were put in place by Sunak’s predecessor, Boris Johnson, but the political calendar and concerns among voters who are skeptical of environmental policy seem to have influenced this shift.
The move to win back voters uneasy about the green agenda appears to drive this shift in policy
Last week the North Sea Transition Authority announced approval for development and production at the Rosebank oil field, located about 128 kilometers northwest of the Shetland Islands. It is regarded as the largest undeveloped resource in the United Kingdom.
Plans to develop Rosebank, a partnership between Equinor and Ithaca Energy, sparked protests from environmental groups, including Greta Thunberg, who oppose expanding production in this region.
The Rosebank field lies in northwestern Shetland and is believed to hold hundreds of millions of barrels of crude. Projected output could reach about 69,000 barrels per day, representing a portion of the UK’s planned production mix for 2026 to 2030, with potential gas outputs as well, according to Equinor.
The government welcomed the regulator’s decision, saying the project had undergone extensive scrutiny, including environmental impact assessments and public consultation before approval.
“We need oil and gas”
Sunak’s team argues that while investments in renewables continue, the independent Climate Change Committee has acknowledged that oil and gas will remain part of an integrated energy strategy on the path to net zero. Sourcing energy from North Sea fields like Rosebank is presented as a sensible option for national security and pricing stability, according to Energy Security Minister Claire Coutinho.
Greenpeace UK’s climate spokesperson criticized the decision, arguing the government favors fossil fuel profits over ordinary citizens and their bills.
Observers note that continuing reliance on fossil fuels complicates efforts to reduce emissions, costs for households, and exposure to volatile energy markets. The debate emphasizes how energy security and climate commitments intersect amid rising living costs.
“Rishi Sunak has shown again a preference for oil company profits”
He argues that the decision offers limited long-term benefits and shifts costs to taxpayers while exposing the climate to greater risk.
Water down Boris Johnson’s climate measures
The Rosebank approval is not a standalone action. It fits a broader pattern of revisiting environmental promises. Beyond delaying the phase-out of internal combustion vehicles and gas boilers, the government has signaled no new taxes on air travel or meat, and it has shown less emphasis on carpooling and universal recycling targets.
Sunak has faced criticism from political and business circles for retreating from stronger climate ambitions and scrapping measures once endorsed by Johnson to reach zero emissions.
Sunak explained that the plan to ban sales of diesel and gasoline vehicles would be reviewed, and he referenced the shift as aligning with other European countries and some North American states. He noted ongoing investments in electric mobility while emphasizing the practicality of a phased approach.
The timing of these policy signals coincided with a major climate policy assembly in New York, which Sunak did not attend. Critics across the political spectrum argue this marks a retreat from leadership in global climate efforts, a stance that drew opposition from Labour and parts of the Conservative Party who saw the Glasgow COP27 outcomes as a missed chance for UK influence.
“We remain committed to our goals, but we will pursue them in a more measured way.”
Sunak defended the stance by saying the country would stay on track toward carbon neutrality by 2050 and honor its international commitments, while stressing the need to balance costs with practical implementation.
He argued that a realistic approach does not equate to a loss of ambition, and he reiterated Britain’s role as a leader in climate discourse on the world stage. The message centers on sustaining momentum while adapting to domestic economic pressures.
In search of voter support
Analysts see Sunak’s choices as a bid to win over voters facing a higher cost of living, a critique often amplified by conservative media that blame a green policy for economic strains. Others point to the broader impact of Brexit on the British economy and policy direction.
Former prime minister Boris Johnson criticized the shift, urging continuity in climate commitments and business certainty in the UK’s path to net zero.
Automotive industry response
Sunak argued that delaying the ban on sales of combustion cars to 2035 aligns with other nations, including Spain and France, along with several North American jurisdictions. The auto sector has expressed concern, noting substantial investments already made to transition toward electric vehicles.
Additional commentary and industry voices continue to weigh in as the policy debate unfolds.