🔗 Share this article Study Shows UK Government Officials Held Meetings With Fossil Fuel Industry Representatives In 500 Sessions During Initial Year of Power According to new research, cabinet members held discussions with delegates from the oil and gas sector over 500 times during their first year in government – amounting to double per working day. Notable Rise Compared to Previous Administration The research revealed that fossil fuel lobbyists were present at 48% additional government meetings during the current government's opening year relative to the previous year. Ministerial Justification Ministers justified the meetings, stating that officials conducted discussions with a diverse array of representatives from "the energy industry, labor organizations and public organizations to advance our renewable energy superpower mission". Increasing Apprehensions About Corporate Lobbying Yet, the results have generated worry among critics about the degree of the fossil fuel industry's leverage over government at a moment when leaders are striving to decrease expenses and move to a environmentally friendly energy infrastructure. Principal Results The research, which is based on the government's published record of official engagements, also found: Representatives at the Energy and Climate Department held meetings with petroleum sector advocates 274 times, with corporate delegates present at nearly 25% of meetings. The energy minister held discussions with fossil fuel lobbyists 250 times – with 33% of all his meetings including industry figures. Throughout the equivalent duration ministry officials held meetings with worker group agents 61 times. Several major oil corporations met with ministers 100 times collectively. Fossil fuel lobbyists were present at the majority of government meeting about the energy profits levy, a interim charge on the "unprecedented revenues" of marine energy corporations. Political Reactions An environmental politician remarked: "Rather than considering scientists, populations impacted by flooding, or guardians anxious to guarantee a protected environment for their descendants, this administration is emphasizing industry advocates and revenues for large energy corporations." Official Denial Officials insisted the discoveries were "deceptive", saying many of the firms mentioned also had sustainable power initiatives and that such matters were typically the primary subject of the conversations. "Our main focus is a just, orderly and thriving shift in the offshore region in line with our climate and legal obligations, and we are cooperating with the industry to preserve existing and upcoming populations of good jobs." Broader Context Several prominent fossil fuel corporations have been condemned for slashing their environmental spending in the past few years amid a global pushback against environmental measures. An advocacy leader from an climate legal group commented: "The government vowed a people-focused leadership, but that doesn't mean bowing the knee to corporations profiting out of environmental crisis. It's time to cease favoring climate-damaging entities and focus on the public."