Badenoch criticised for ‘peddling dangerous fantasy’ about North Sea oil drilling

Conservative leader expected to call for government to lift suspension on licences in drive to reduce energy prices

Kemi Badenoch is “peddling a dangerous fantasy” about North Sea energy in her attempt to reverse a ban on new oil and gas licences, a leading campaign group has said.

The Conservative leader is expected to call on the government to lift its suspension of the licences as part of a drive to reduce energy prices, as the party launches a new campaign aimed at boosting the fossil fuel sector.