Is this the most dangerous man in the UK?

Rising UK energy costs are creating a new cost-of-living crisis by fuelling inflation

Ed Miliband’s Policies Have Cost Britain One Billion Barrels of North Sea Oil

The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, who famously struggles to eat a bacon sandwich, is not just a dyed-in-the-wool buffoon... but quite possibly the most dangerous man in the UK.

Ed Miliband’s energy policies have directly cost the UK one billion barrels of North Sea oil equivalent between now and 2050.

This isn’t speculation — it is the new official forecast from the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA), a regulator that models production years in advance.

Carbon emissions are more than likely to be accelerating global warming, Britain contributes 0.8% of the world's carbon emissions so whatever we do is futile if it's not replicated by China, India, the US etc

We already have the most expensive energy in the developed world... twice the cost for industry than in the US... so why make ourselves poorer, and more exposed for our energy security?

We are still going to need oil and gas until technology catches up with politician's whims and ambitions... why not use the local resources we still have?

What the Numbers Say

• 2023 forecast: 681 million tonnes of oil and gas expected between 2025 and 2050

• 2025 forecast: 557 million tonnes

• The gap: 124 million tonnes, or one billion barrels of oil equivalent lost.

Why the Drop is Happening

Two policy choices explain this dramatic downgrade:

1. Ban on new drilling licences – by cutting off new exploration, the government ensures that

production will keep falling.

2. A punitive 78% tax rate – the windfall tax, combined with existing levies, makes the North Sea one of the least competitive energy basins in the world. Operators are shelving projects and pulling investment.

The Consequences for the UK

• Higher imports: Britain now buys more liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipped from overseas, which has a bigger carbon footprint than local production

• Lost jobs and investment: Communities in Scotland and the North East, long reliant on offshore energy, are already seeing opportunities disappear

• Reduced tax revenue: By driving investment away, the government ultimately collects less in the future.

These aren’t hypothetical risks — they are happening now.

What This Means for UK Businesses

Energy policy doesn’t just affect oil majors. It flows directly into the costs paid by small and

medium-sized businesses across the UK:

• Less domestic supply means more price volatility

• Greater reliance on imports leaves us exposed to global shocks

• The government’s long-term tax losses risk future policy uncertainty and further intervention

For people and businesses in Wolverhampton and beyond, that means energy bills stay unpredictable, unless you’ve got someone in your corner securing the best strategy.

Wolf Pack Energy: Your Local Partner

At Wolf Pack Energy, we cut through the politics and the uncertainty. No call centres, we all live, work and play in Wolves and can be contacted directly via WhatsApp, mobile, email... whichever way you prefer

We secure you better rates, and benefits normally reserved for big corporates.

We handle the hassle so you can focus on running your business.

We will fight your corner when your supplier makes a mistake (which is often, believe me!) and resolve it on your behalf, rather than you spending hours on hold.

Your call is not important to us, you are.

■ Sick of call centres? Speak to your local energy expert on 07497 699 880

■ Have a problem with your supplier? Email simon@wolfpackenergy.co.uk for free advice and resolution

Source: How Ed Miliband Cost Britain One Billion Barrels of North Sea Oil, The Telegraph, 15

September 2025