Step on the gas

THE worst energy crisis since the 1970s may now be on the horizon because of the Iran conflict.

It is deeply troubling, then, to learn Britain has less than two days’ worth of natural gas in storage.

Ministers may insist that is normal at this time of year, but our lack of reserves shows just how vulnerable we are to import price hikes on the global markets. If production in the Gulf comes to a halt, Britain will be in a very poor negotiating position in the scramble for fuel.

The Government appears to have learned nothing from Russia’s bloody invasion of Ukraine, which triggered similar energy stresses four years ago.

The eco-lunacy of Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is now a danger to national security. He has banned new licences for North Sea oil and gas in pursuit of his Net Zero dreams, introduced punitive taxes on the sector and stifled investment.

This must be reversed, quickly. Starmer and Miliband must prioritise energy security over their green fantasies.