PM ANDY Burnham is considering spending billions to store foreign natural gas to help protect Britain’s energy security.
Ministers are said to be looking at buying a huge ship to house liquefied gas or creating a Government stockpile for emergencies.
But critics argue the PM should prioritise drilling in the North Sea rather than relying on fuel from overseas.
The plans — published by the Net Zero department — are designed to protect against turmoil in global supply chains.
But the Government admitted they would require an unprecedented investment in the gas market and added no decision had been made.
David Whitehouse of OEUK — representing the North Sea sector — said: “It makes no sense to increase Britain’s dependence on imported gas.
“With pragmatic Government action the North Sea can continue to play a significant role in meeting Britain’s gas needs.”
We revealed earlier this month how the PM told US President Donald Trump that he will take a “pragmatic” approach to oil and gas exploration.
Jackdaw — a major gas project operated by Shell — is expected to be given the green light towards the end of summer.
But Labour MP Clive Lewis said there was “no legitimate reason” to push ahead with the drilling.
Another, Rachael Maskell, also hit out at the proposals.
But Scottish Labour MPs have been privately urging Mr Burnham to allow new drilling in the North Sea, to create jobs and revenue for the area.
