Green energy entrepreneur calls on UK to protect North Sea oil and gas industry during transition

Green industry leaders have spoken out against the government’s North Sea stance amid pressure from opposition parties to support the industry. Photograph: Danny Lawson/PA

One of Britain’s leading green industrialists has called on the government to offer subsidies to North Sea oil companies to help support a “just transition” to renewables that protects energy industry workers.

Dale Vince, a Labour donor, urged ministers to “optimise” the remaining resources of the declining oil basin as the UK reduces its reliance on fossil fuels. The party has banned new North Sea oil and gas projects.