UK’s new Prime Minister scraps DECC. New department without ‘climate change’ in its name

The UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC), established in 2008 by the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown, has been axed.

The newly appointed UK Prime Minister Theresa May has decided to scrap the DECC, and establish a Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department.

As part of the move, Greg Clark has been appointed Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Clark said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed to lead this new department charged with delivering a comprehensive industrial strategy, leading government’s relationship with business, furthering our world-class science base, delivering affordable, clean energy and tackling climate change.”

Following Clark’s appointment, the environmentalists have raised concerns that the climate change is no longer included in the name of the department.

Greenpeace Executive Director, John Sauven, said: “The energy and climate change department has been broken up and put back together without the name ‘climate change’. Although some might say ‘what’s in a name’, there is a very real worry that the progress made on tackling climate change could be relegated to the bottom of the intray. Business, energy and industrial strategy must have green innovation and job creation at its heart.”

.@gregclarkmp says “thrilled to lead this new dept” as he meets civil servants this pm https://t.co/SNtEQfnRjo pic.twitter.com/LgehreF8ew

— DECC (@DECCgovuk) July 14, 2016

Oil and Gas UK, a body representing the offshore oil and gas industry in the UK, issued a statement welcoming Greg Clark to his new role.

Deirdre Michie, chief executive of Oil & Gas UK, said: “I’d like to congratulate the Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, the new Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, and his cabinet colleagues on their appointments.

“We will be looking to meet with Mr Clark as soon as possible to discuss the challenges our industry is facing and the opportunities the North Sea offers both for business growth and ensuring a secure energy supply for the UK.

“We very much welcomed the joined up approach taken by the previous government and we hope ministers will continue to work together across the relevant departments to support our sector.

“Offshore oil and gas is one of this country’s greatest industrial success stories and must remain a linchpin of a UK industrial strategy. Yet we are at a critical juncture and we need to work with government to address low levels of exploration and development in the North Sea and send a strong message that the UK Continental Shelf is a great place to invest in.”

Offshore Energy Today Staff