During a session in the House of Commons, Energy Secretary Grant Shapps expressed strong opposition to the idea of not issuing new oil and gas licences, labeling it as a "bonkers policy." Green MP Caroline Lucas had raised concerns about the government's plans to expand domestic oil and gas production, urging a focus on reducing demand instead.

Lucas referred to a report by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, which highlighted the need to address demand in order to curb the significant rise in gas imports. She proposed ruling out new licences and emphasized the importance of measures such as a nationwide home insulation program, unblocking onshore wind projects, and widespread installation of solar panels.

In response, Shapps highlighted the progress made in home insulation, stating that the percentage of insulated homes has increased from 14% under the previous government to nearly 50%, with a target of reaching 50% this year. He mentioned the establishment of an energy task force to enhance energy efficiency and reduce usage.

However, Shapps strongly criticized the policy of the Green Party and the official opposition, which advocates for importing all necessary oil and gas instead of issuing new licences. He argued that this approach would make every family in Britain vulnerable to the influence of leaders like Putin and would result in carbon usage being twice as high as that extracted from the North Sea. He deemed it a "bonkers policy."