LONDON (Reuters) -Britain’s decision to issue more than two dozen oil and gas exploration licences was lawful, London’s High Court ruled on Friday, dismissing a challenge by campaigners who said the government failed to consider the impact on climate change.
Marine conservation organisation Oceana UK brought the case over 28 licences granted in May 2024 under Britain’s previous government, which it also argued did not properly assess the risk to protected marine life.
Britain’s energy department – which did not defend similar cases after a 2024 Supreme Court ruling – opposed the case, saying the licences only allow early exploration and further assessments will be carried out before oil or gas is produced.
Oceana’s case, which was heard in March, was the latest challenge over fossil fuels to reach court, as environmental campaigners increasingly turn to the law to try and tackle climate change, with mixed success.
(Reporting by Sam Tobin and Michael Holden; Editing by Kate Holton)
