Robert Palmer
@robertnpalmer.bsky.social
Deputy Director, Uplift. Campaigning for a rapid & fair transition away from oil & gas production in the UK.
Ex-Tax Justice UK & Global Witness. He/him 🏳️🌈. All views are my own.
Ex-Tax Justice UK & Global Witness. He/him 🏳️🌈. All views are my own.
Reposted by Robert Palmer
The Scottish Affairs Committee's report on North Sea policy is absolutely right to conclude that, in recent years, there has been a disastrous failure to plan for job losses at Grangemouth and in North Sea oil & gas. But its findings are unfortunately already out of date. More detail in the 🧵:
October 24, 2025 at 8:32 AM
The Scottish Affairs Committee's report on North Sea policy is absolutely right to conclude that, in recent years, there has been a disastrous failure to plan for job losses at Grangemouth and in North Sea oil & gas. But its findings are unfortunately already out of date. More detail in the 🧵:
Reposted by Robert Palmer
Read this sorry story about how an academic was axed from conference panels because he was deemed too interesting.
He was told no one on the panel was expected to air difficult opinions in front of MPs that could damage the oil and gas sector
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
He was told no one on the panel was expected to air difficult opinions in front of MPs that could damage the oil and gas sector
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Academic axed from Labour conference panel for criticising energy policy
Sustainability expert was told panellists discussing North Sea oil and gas were meant to ‘agree entirely’ with each other
www.theguardian.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Read this sorry story about how an academic was axed from conference panels because he was deemed too interesting.
He was told no one on the panel was expected to air difficult opinions in front of MPs that could damage the oil and gas sector
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
He was told no one on the panel was expected to air difficult opinions in front of MPs that could damage the oil and gas sector
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Robert Palmer
Scotland has everything it needs to win big from the energy transition: a proud industrial heritage, skilled energy workforce & world class renewable resources. As the 2026 elections approach, Uplift has developed our proposals for making energy work for Scotland: 🧵
www.upliftuk.org/post/make-en...
www.upliftuk.org/post/make-en...
Make Energy Work for Scotland - Blogpost from Uplift (News)
Scotland has everything it needs to win big from the energy transition. But right now, it is missing out. Here are our proposals for the next Scottish Government to ensure that it delivers for Scotlan...
www.upliftuk.org
October 10, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Scotland has everything it needs to win big from the energy transition: a proud industrial heritage, skilled energy workforce & world class renewable resources. As the 2026 elections approach, Uplift has developed our proposals for making energy work for Scotland: 🧵
www.upliftuk.org/post/make-en...
www.upliftuk.org/post/make-en...
A good news story!
I spoke to The Standard Tech Science Daily podcast on how renewables have now surpassed coal for electricity generation this year
I spoke to The Standard Tech Science Daily podcast on how renewables have now surpassed coal for electricity generation this year
October 8, 2025 at 7:53 AM
A good news story!
I spoke to The Standard Tech Science Daily podcast on how renewables have now surpassed coal for electricity generation this year
I spoke to The Standard Tech Science Daily podcast on how renewables have now surpassed coal for electricity generation this year
Reposted by Robert Palmer
For ~20yrs the Climate Change Act has powered clean growth & climate action
Proud to co-ordinate 124 MPs & Peers to urge the Conservatives, don’t scrap it
Turning climate leadership into a political football puts our economy, security & children’s future at risk
#ClimateAction
Proud to co-ordinate 124 MPs & Peers to urge the Conservatives, don’t scrap it
Turning climate leadership into a political football puts our economy, security & children’s future at risk
#ClimateAction
October 3, 2025 at 8:41 AM
For ~20yrs the Climate Change Act has powered clean growth & climate action
Proud to co-ordinate 124 MPs & Peers to urge the Conservatives, don’t scrap it
Turning climate leadership into a political football puts our economy, security & children’s future at risk
#ClimateAction
Proud to co-ordinate 124 MPs & Peers to urge the Conservatives, don’t scrap it
Turning climate leadership into a political football puts our economy, security & children’s future at risk
#ClimateAction
Reposted by Robert Palmer
While the Tory party's energy & climate policy grows increasingly detached from reality, worth reflecting on a remarkable, under-reported event at Labour conference: the launch of Climate Jobs UK, a campaign by GMB, Prospect & other TUs focused on the creation of good jobs in the energy transition
🧵
🧵
October 6, 2025 at 9:49 AM
While the Tory party's energy & climate policy grows increasingly detached from reality, worth reflecting on a remarkable, under-reported event at Labour conference: the launch of Climate Jobs UK, a campaign by GMB, Prospect & other TUs focused on the creation of good jobs in the energy transition
🧵
🧵
Reposted by Robert Palmer
Nick Robinson on Today this AM was completely wrong to suggest that pumping more oil & gas from the North Sea would lower bills, something even former Tory Energy Secretaries have accepted.
We’ve burned most of the gas and export the vast majority of the oil—and oil is basically what’s left…
We’ve burned most of the gas and export the vast majority of the oil—and oil is basically what’s left…
October 1, 2025 at 8:12 AM
Nick Robinson on Today this AM was completely wrong to suggest that pumping more oil & gas from the North Sea would lower bills, something even former Tory Energy Secretaries have accepted.
We’ve burned most of the gas and export the vast majority of the oil—and oil is basically what’s left…
We’ve burned most of the gas and export the vast majority of the oil—and oil is basically what’s left…
Reposted by Robert Palmer
"The reality is that the small print in the industry's own reports show that there is vanishingly small amounts of gas thats left to be extracted from the North Sea."
Tessa Khan, Executive Director & Founder at Uplift, @tessakhan.bsky.social. On LBC with Clare Foges @lbc.co.uk.
Tessa Khan, Executive Director & Founder at Uplift, @tessakhan.bsky.social. On LBC with Clare Foges @lbc.co.uk.
September 22, 2025 at 1:28 PM
"The reality is that the small print in the industry's own reports show that there is vanishingly small amounts of gas thats left to be extracted from the North Sea."
Tessa Khan, Executive Director & Founder at Uplift, @tessakhan.bsky.social. On LBC with Clare Foges @lbc.co.uk.
Tessa Khan, Executive Director & Founder at Uplift, @tessakhan.bsky.social. On LBC with Clare Foges @lbc.co.uk.
Reposted by Robert Palmer
Some highly questionable industry assertions about ‘tiebacks’ and new oil & gas exploration licensing covered by the Sunday Times this morning, incl. the volume of potential production & the impact on jobs & supply chains. Let's take a closer look: www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Labour looks to water down North Sea drilling ban
Ed Miliband is expected to allow exploration next to existing sites to increase fossil fuel production without breaking a manifesto pledge
www.thetimes.com
September 21, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Some highly questionable industry assertions about ‘tiebacks’ and new oil & gas exploration licensing covered by the Sunday Times this morning, incl. the volume of potential production & the impact on jobs & supply chains. Let's take a closer look: www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Reposted by Robert Palmer
The FT’s John Gapper has offered his advice on North Sea oil and gas drilling this morning. Let’s start with what we agree on:
The UK government needs a proper plan for the future of the North Sea. This is unarguable. 🧵
The UK government needs a proper plan for the future of the North Sea. This is unarguable. 🧵
September 18, 2025 at 10:46 AM
The FT’s John Gapper has offered his advice on North Sea oil and gas drilling this morning. Let’s start with what we agree on:
The UK government needs a proper plan for the future of the North Sea. This is unarguable. 🧵
The UK government needs a proper plan for the future of the North Sea. This is unarguable. 🧵
Reposted by Robert Palmer
Somewhat sensationalist headline here obscures some really interesting research - which tallies with other available tracking data - on shifting attitudes to climate in the UK.
Below are a few quick thoughts on how to understand this, in my view 👇 t.co/gDqlQgQBHn
Below are a few quick thoughts on how to understand this, in my view 👇 t.co/gDqlQgQBHn
September 9, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Somewhat sensationalist headline here obscures some really interesting research - which tallies with other available tracking data - on shifting attitudes to climate in the UK.
Below are a few quick thoughts on how to understand this, in my view 👇 t.co/gDqlQgQBHn
Below are a few quick thoughts on how to understand this, in my view 👇 t.co/gDqlQgQBHn
Reposted by Robert Palmer
How much oil and gas is REALLY left in the North Sea? 🤔
According to a new report by oil and gas lobby group @oeuk.bsky.social, loads!!!!
*As long as they get subsidies and deregulation*
Is this true? And if so, would it lower bills?
Let's investigate...
According to a new report by oil and gas lobby group @oeuk.bsky.social, loads!!!!
*As long as they get subsidies and deregulation*
Is this true? And if so, would it lower bills?
Let's investigate...
September 3, 2025 at 11:29 AM
How much oil and gas is REALLY left in the North Sea? 🤔
According to a new report by oil and gas lobby group @oeuk.bsky.social, loads!!!!
*As long as they get subsidies and deregulation*
Is this true? And if so, would it lower bills?
Let's investigate...
According to a new report by oil and gas lobby group @oeuk.bsky.social, loads!!!!
*As long as they get subsidies and deregulation*
Is this true? And if so, would it lower bills?
Let's investigate...
Reposted by Robert Palmer
This is such a bizarre pitch
Badenoch pledges to make North Sea oil and gas ‘cornerstone’ of UK economy
Conservative leader says she will end 'Labour's ban' on new oil and gas licences.
news.stv.tv
September 2, 2025 at 8:32 AM
This is such a bizarre pitch
Reposted by Robert Palmer
This would be laughable if it wasn't so serious: yet again, the Tories are claiming that we can get "all our oil and gas" from the North Sea and that we should be doing even more to support the industry to extract.
There are several reasons why we should treat this with maximum scepticism:
There are several reasons why we should treat this with maximum scepticism:
August 31, 2025 at 5:25 PM
This would be laughable if it wasn't so serious: yet again, the Tories are claiming that we can get "all our oil and gas" from the North Sea and that we should be doing even more to support the industry to extract.
There are several reasons why we should treat this with maximum scepticism:
There are several reasons why we should treat this with maximum scepticism:
Reposted by Robert Palmer
Trump’s Scotland visit wasn’t just about golf. His call to "Get rid of the windmills and bring back the oil" is an attempt to meddle in our energy transition.
We have abundant wind resources which can provide us with energy security, lower bills, and good jobs.
@jeremyvine.bsky.social
We have abundant wind resources which can provide us with energy security, lower bills, and good jobs.
@jeremyvine.bsky.social
July 30, 2025 at 2:08 PM
Trump’s Scotland visit wasn’t just about golf. His call to "Get rid of the windmills and bring back the oil" is an attempt to meddle in our energy transition.
We have abundant wind resources which can provide us with energy security, lower bills, and good jobs.
@jeremyvine.bsky.social
We have abundant wind resources which can provide us with energy security, lower bills, and good jobs.
@jeremyvine.bsky.social
Reposted by Robert Palmer
Remarkable how often this is missed in political debates on energy. Farage and Badenoch are allowed to repeatedly imply drilling more can fix everything, but it is highly probable there is not much gas left to drill. www.businessgreen.com/news/4516717...
'The North Sea is running out of gas': New study warns basin is unable to meet UK heating demand from 2027
New analysis by the End Fuel Poverty Coalition warns UK must urgently switch to renewable heating sources to avoid relying on imported gas and volatile international fossil fuel markets
www.businessgreen.com
July 23, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Remarkable how often this is missed in political debates on energy. Farage and Badenoch are allowed to repeatedly imply drilling more can fix everything, but it is highly probable there is not much gas left to drill. www.businessgreen.com/news/4516717...
Reposted by Robert Palmer
🚨For 60 years, the North Sea powered the UK, but the gas is running out - fast
Even if every new gas field is approved, UK production won’t meet our heating needs by 2027, and by 2050 94% of our gas will have to be imported. That’s not a policy choice, it’s geological reality
[1/3]
Even if every new gas field is approved, UK production won’t meet our heating needs by 2027, and by 2050 94% of our gas will have to be imported. That’s not a policy choice, it’s geological reality
[1/3]
July 23, 2025 at 5:49 AM
🚨For 60 years, the North Sea powered the UK, but the gas is running out - fast
Even if every new gas field is approved, UK production won’t meet our heating needs by 2027, and by 2050 94% of our gas will have to be imported. That’s not a policy choice, it’s geological reality
[1/3]
Even if every new gas field is approved, UK production won’t meet our heating needs by 2027, and by 2050 94% of our gas will have to be imported. That’s not a policy choice, it’s geological reality
[1/3]
Reposted by Robert Palmer
BREAKING 🚨: We've just dropped a massive banner off Westminster Bridge to demand the UK Government #StopRosebank
It's time for Keir Starmer make the right choice 👀
It's time for Keir Starmer make the right choice 👀
July 16, 2025 at 8:37 AM
BREAKING 🚨: We've just dropped a massive banner off Westminster Bridge to demand the UK Government #StopRosebank
It's time for Keir Starmer make the right choice 👀
It's time for Keir Starmer make the right choice 👀
Reposted by Robert Palmer
JUST RAISE TAX
After last night’s U-turn, Rachel Reeves cannot tweak her way out of this crisis. The system must be torn down.
After last night’s U-turn, Rachel Reeves cannot tweak her way out of this crisis. The system must be torn down.
July 2, 2025 at 11:07 AM
JUST RAISE TAX
After last night’s U-turn, Rachel Reeves cannot tweak her way out of this crisis. The system must be torn down.
After last night’s U-turn, Rachel Reeves cannot tweak her way out of this crisis. The system must be torn down.
Reposted by Robert Palmer
🚨BREAKING
Multiple British Overseas Territories just missed their deadline to expose the £billions being stashed away in secret offshore accounts by super rich tax dodgers, corporates, and criminals.
This is the third such deadline they’ve missed. 1/4
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Multiple British Overseas Territories just missed their deadline to expose the £billions being stashed away in secret offshore accounts by super rich tax dodgers, corporates, and criminals.
This is the third such deadline they’ve missed. 1/4
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
British overseas territories miss final deadline to crack down on ‘dirty money’
Island havens accused of ‘defying the will of parliament’ after failing to initiate corporate transparency measures
www.theguardian.com
July 1, 2025 at 3:24 PM
🚨BREAKING
Multiple British Overseas Territories just missed their deadline to expose the £billions being stashed away in secret offshore accounts by super rich tax dodgers, corporates, and criminals.
This is the third such deadline they’ve missed. 1/4
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Multiple British Overseas Territories just missed their deadline to expose the £billions being stashed away in secret offshore accounts by super rich tax dodgers, corporates, and criminals.
This is the third such deadline they’ve missed. 1/4
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Robert Palmer
"This is not just a usual British warm summer and it's being driven by climate change." 💯
@robertnpalmer.bsky.social on @lbcnews.bsky.social
@robertnpalmer.bsky.social on @lbcnews.bsky.social
July 1, 2025 at 1:33 PM
"This is not just a usual British warm summer and it's being driven by climate change." 💯
@robertnpalmer.bsky.social on @lbcnews.bsky.social
@robertnpalmer.bsky.social on @lbcnews.bsky.social
Reposted by Robert Palmer
🚨 REMINDER: This is not normal.
People across the world are sweltering under record temperatures, and new oil and gas will only crank up the heat.
Yet Equinor and Ithaca want to develop the climate-wrecking Rosebank oil field.
We won't let them.
People across the world are sweltering under record temperatures, and new oil and gas will only crank up the heat.
Yet Equinor and Ithaca want to develop the climate-wrecking Rosebank oil field.
We won't let them.
June 30, 2025 at 3:26 PM
🚨 REMINDER: This is not normal.
People across the world are sweltering under record temperatures, and new oil and gas will only crank up the heat.
Yet Equinor and Ithaca want to develop the climate-wrecking Rosebank oil field.
We won't let them.
People across the world are sweltering under record temperatures, and new oil and gas will only crank up the heat.
Yet Equinor and Ithaca want to develop the climate-wrecking Rosebank oil field.
We won't let them.
1/ The Rosebank oil field is a very bad deal for the UK. Generous tax breaks mean the UK public would shoulder over 80% of the costs – and the vast majority of risk – from developing this massive oil field.
How much we lose out depends on what oil prices might be in the future. 🧵
How much we lose out depends on what oil prices might be in the future. 🧵
June 24, 2025 at 4:19 PM
1/ The Rosebank oil field is a very bad deal for the UK. Generous tax breaks mean the UK public would shoulder over 80% of the costs – and the vast majority of risk – from developing this massive oil field.
How much we lose out depends on what oil prices might be in the future. 🧵
How much we lose out depends on what oil prices might be in the future. 🧵
Reposted by Robert Palmer
Another day, another story from the oil & gas industry that's all spin. The latest claim is there's an extra 3.5-ish bn barrels of O&G there for the taking in the North Sea, which would generate huge riches for the UK. Except the underlying analysis confirms this is "beyond realistic assumptions"
/1
/1
June 23, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Another day, another story from the oil & gas industry that's all spin. The latest claim is there's an extra 3.5-ish bn barrels of O&G there for the taking in the North Sea, which would generate huge riches for the UK. Except the underlying analysis confirms this is "beyond realistic assumptions"
/1
/1
Reposted by Robert Palmer
Reform UK is proposing a "Britannia card" that would let wealthy foreigners pay a £250k fee to move to the UK, and live here exempt from all tax on their foreign assets
What they don't say: it would cost the UK £34bn
Report here, and thread below: buff.ly/gpe2Dpf
What they don't say: it would cost the UK £34bn
Report here, and thread below: buff.ly/gpe2Dpf
June 23, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Reform UK is proposing a "Britannia card" that would let wealthy foreigners pay a £250k fee to move to the UK, and live here exempt from all tax on their foreign assets
What they don't say: it would cost the UK £34bn
Report here, and thread below: buff.ly/gpe2Dpf
What they don't say: it would cost the UK £34bn
Report here, and thread below: buff.ly/gpe2Dpf