Juergen Maier, chair of Great British Energy, has broken ranks to support increased North Sea oil and gas production, challenging Ed Miliband's policy of banning new exploration licences. Maier argued that domestic production would boost jobs and tax revenues while potentially producing lower carbon emissions than imported fossil fuels. His LinkedIn post adds momentum to growing pressure on the energy secretary.

Miliband faces mounting opposition from business leaders and Conservative MPs who argue that expanding North Sea drilling would strengthen Britain's energy security and manufacturing sector. Greg Jackson, CEO of Octopus Energy, backed the stance, claiming that liquefied natural gas shipped globally is 'a lot dirtier' than locally produced gas. The Conservatives plan to force a parliamentary vote on ending the drilling ban.

The Labour government's current policy allows 'tiebacks' to existing fields but lacks supporting legislation. Miliband maintains that new licences won't reduce energy costs since oil and gas trade on international markets. However, backbench MP Henry Tufnell argues that expanded drilling would be a 'boon for tax revenue' and benefit Britain's manufacturing sector.