UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has expressed his support for new fossil fuel drilling off Britain's coast, stating that he will be pragmatic in reaching the net zero target. His government is expected to approve the development of Rosebank, the UK's largest undeveloped oil and gas field near the Shetland Isles, as well as other sites in the North Sea.

However, environmental campaigners are infuriated by these plans, arguing that halting all new fossil fuel exploitation is necessary for decarbonization. The main opposition Labour Party has also stated that it will not issue any new North Sea drilling licenses if it regains power.

Sunak disagrees with this stance, stating that banning North Sea oil and gas would weaken energy security and strengthen the hands of dictators like Vladimir Putin. He believes that fossil fuels will still be needed as part of the transition to net zero. These comments come as the Tories defied national polling to retain a parliamentary seat, with voter unease at the expansion of a scheme taxing polluting vehicles.

Sunak has ordered a review on low traffic neighborhoods and has faced criticism from climate campaigners for suggesting that some environmental targets could be eased. Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg has called the UK government "out of touch from reality" after energy minister Grant Shapps said they would aim to maximize North Sea reserves.

Several mainstream pressure groups have vowed to mobilize if net zero policies are watered down. Sunak has stated that he wants to leave the environment and climate in a better state, but in a way that is pragmatic and proportionate, avoiding unnecessary costs or hassle for people's lives.