26 September 2025

SW1 opens the door to energy realism

The headlines

UK

• Jenrick backs CfD overhaul

• Lib Dems ditch flagship Net Zero by 2045 target

• Labour eyes oil and gas loophole

• North Sea tax receipts plunger further

• Trump attacks UK Net Zero policies at the UN

• In memorium: Lorne Smith

International

• Trump pushes EU to stop buying Russian gas

• US to cancel $13bn of green subsidies

Etcetera

• Media, op-eds and all the rest.

From the blog

• The UK is going back to coal

UK

Jenrick backs CfD overhaul

Robert Jenrick blasted Net Zero as a "complete disaster" last night, going on to say we should “look at those subsidies and get rid of some of them” in relation to the Contracts for Difference scheme. Industry sources have said his comments add to the uncertainty for UK renewables. Watch Jenrick’s comments in full here.

Lib Dems ditch flagship Net Zero by 2045 target

The Liberal Democrats have scrapped their 2045 net-zero target and aligned with the Labour government's 2050 goal instead, saying the policy is “no longer practically possible”.

Labour eyes oil and gas loophole

The government has quietly handed ministers new powers to reverse flagship climate promises and approve new drilling for oil and gas. Under new guidance, Ed Miliband can give weight to the “wider benefits to the interests of the nation,” alongside environmental concerns, when deciding the future of oil and gas fields.

North Sea tax receipts plunge further

The withdrawal of investment from the basin alongside declining production and falling oil and gas prices have caused government revenues for September 2025 published by HMRC to show a decline of £1.6 billion in the financial year 2024 to 2025 to £4.5bn, compared with £6.1bn in 2023/24.

Trump attacks UK’s Net Zero policies at the UN

Donald Trump humiliated Keir Starmer yesterday with brutal swipes at Labour's Net Zero drive, warning that North Sea oil was ‘so highly taxed that no developer, no oil company can go there'. “I want to stop seeing them ruining that beautiful Scottish and English countryside with windmills,” he said. Watch Trump’s comments in full here.

In memorium: Lorne Smith

This week, we learnt the very sad news that long-term GWPF and NZW member and supporter, Lorne Smith, has passed away following a heart attack. Many of you will remember Lorne, as a larger-than-life character who enlivened our events and challenged our speakers in equal measure. He will be dearly missed.

If you would like to share your memories of Lorne with his widow, Angelika, please contact:

angelikalesmith1@gmail.com

International

Trump pushes EU to stop buying Russian gas

In his speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, President Trump railed against the European Union for keeping the Russian war effort against Ukraine alive by purchasing Russia’s oil and natural gas. Although the EU has sharply reduced its overall energy dependency on Russia, it continues to import some supplies and appears reluctant to completely sever the flows.

US to cancel $13bn of green subsidies

The U.S. Department of Energy intends to cancel more than $13 billion in funds that the Biden administration had pledged to subsidise wind, solar, batteries and electric vehicles, it said on Wednesday.

Etcetera…

Maurice appeared on Talk TV to discuss rising public concern towards high energy bills.

Harry appeared on Talk TV to discuss Ed Miliband’s air miles.

Andrew appeared on Talk TV to discuss constraint payments for wind.

From the blog

Something is breaking in British politics. The centre is obviously fraying. The edges are hardening, and the public mood is turning restless. The recent rally in Westminster perfectly captured it: a strange alliance of Tommy Robinson, Katie Hopkins, Lawrence Fox, even Elon Musk, joined by a crowd of hundreds of thousands. Sky News’ Trevor Phillips said of the attendees: “These are the people you meet in a country pub with their dogs, or in a queue for drinks at half-time.”….. CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

Support us

Dear S,

We are winning – our impact is growing every week – but we are going to need your help if we are going to see this struggle through to the end. Don’t let the greenies get away with it! If you would like to help us fight for energy and climate realism, click the button below.