⁠If The UK Can’t Ditch Fossil Fuels, Who Can? | Ep218: Tessa Khan

⁠If the UK can’t ditch fossil fuels, who can? What impact would more drilling in the North Sea have for UK energy prices? What does the end of the net zero consensus mean for UK energy policy? This week on Cleaning Up, host Bryony Worthington sits down with Tessa Khan, founder of Uplift, a charity challenging the oil and gas industry's hold on UK energy policy. A lawyer turned campaigner, Khan offers incisive analysis of why the North Sea's fossil fuel era must end. Drawing from her background in international human rights and development, Khan reveals how the UK could become a global pioneer in energy transformation. She unpacks the economic myths perpetuated by the oil and gas lobby, exposes the minimal benefits of continued extraction, and champions a just transition to renewable energy. With the UK at a critical political crossroads, Khan offers a masterclass in strategic advocacy, blending data, political insight, and a passionate vision for a sustainable future. Leadership Circle: Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live. Discover more: • Tessa Khan’s organisation, Uplift: https://www.upliftuk.org/ • Uplift’s report on the future of the North Sea: https://www.upliftuk.org/post/the-fut... • UK Oil & Gas Reserves Report: https://www.nstauthority.co.uk/media/... • BBC article on Rosebank emissions guidance: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c... Chapters 00:00 - Coming Up 01:00 - Introduction 02:00 - Who is Tessa Khan 06:00 - Founding Uplift 11:00 - Oil & Gas Tax 15:00 - Emerging Wind Industry 17:30 - UK Fossil Fuel Security 21:30 - Energy Independence 23:00 - Ending Oil & Gas Licensing? 26:30 - Rosebank & New Guidelines 31:30 - Financial Liability & Offsets 34:20 - UK Climate Consensus 38:45 - US Abandonment 42:00 - Winning Over Consumers 48:00 - Reducing Energy Bills 51:30 - Right to Protest 54:00 - Impact of Direct Action 55:35 - Outro