Wes Streeting, the former health secretary, is set to unveil a leadership pitch that includes a significant increase in high-skilled immigration to the UK, capitalizing on what he describes as Donald Trump's hostile stance toward scientists and AI experts.
In a speech scheduled for this week, Streeting will argue that the UK should open its doors to the world's brightest minds, positioning Britain as a welcoming alternative to the United States under Trump's administration. His plan includes a global talent programme aimed at recruiting 20,000 leading scientists, AI experts, and engineers over three years, housed in No 10 with a £250m budget.
North Sea oil revenues for energy bills
Streeting will also propose that tax revenues from new North Sea oil and gas fields, such as Jackdaw and Rosebank, be hypothecated to fund initiatives that reduce energy bills and emissions. He argues that high energy costs are holding back businesses and households, and that revenues should be funneled into insulation, heat pumps, and electrification.
“Opponents of the North Sea drilling say it sets the wrong example to the world,” Streeting said. “But the worst example we can set is that net zero can only be delivered on the backs of the poor and working people's jobs. This is the route to Nigel Farage walking into Downing Street and destroying our renewables industry.”
Streeting is preparing to challenge Andy Burnham and others in a race to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister. Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, is standing in the Makerfield byelection and is expected to put public control of water and energy at the heart of his agenda.
The proposals come amid controversy over new North Sea oil and gas fields, with critics arguing they imperil international emissions targets and undermine the UK's climate leadership. Streeting, however, insists that the approach is necessary to avoid burdening the poor and working people with the costs of net zero.
