Key facts
- London Mayor Sadiq Khan is urging UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reaffirm net-zero commitments.
- Khan wants the UK to reduce its reliance on oil and gas.
- Extreme weather events were cited as a reason for the urgency.
- A decision on new North Sea drilling licenses is expected soon.
- The call intensifies the debate on the UK's energy future and climate goals.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has formally requested that UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaffirm the country's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. Khan's appeal is specifically focused on reducing the United Kingdom's dependence on oil and gas. He highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events as a critical factor necessitating a shift away from fossil fuels. This pressure from Khan arrives at a pivotal moment, as a decision regarding the approval of new drilling licenses in the North Sea is expected imminently. The potential for new drilling projects has amplified the ongoing debate concerning the UK's energy strategy and its alignment with established climate targets. Khan's intervention underscores the growing internal political pressure to maintain stringent climate goals amidst evolving energy security considerations.