The UK has energy resources that could generate significant value for the country — yet we continue to rely heavily on imports while essential services remain under pressure.

Why are we not making better use of what we already have — in a way that benefits the British public?

Next week I’m taking part in a fundraising event for Bury Hospice.

Like many hospices across the UK, they are facing serious funding shortfalls — relying on donations just to keep essential services running.

The UK continues to import large amounts of energy from overseas — often at higher cost and with less control.

At the same time, domestic resources such as the Jackdaw gas field and the Rosebank oil field remain subject to delay and uncertainty.

Using domestic resources won’t solve everything — but it can:

• Improve energy resilience
• Reduce reliance on volatile global markets
• Generate economic value here in the UK

If we are going to use energy anyway, why aren’t we making better use of our own — and ensuring the country benefits directly?

Right now, services people rely on are under real pressure. Hospices, social care providers, and parts of the NHS are all facing difficult funding challenges — often for relatively modest amounts in the context of national finances.

It is difficult to explain why the UK would:

• Import energy it cannot control
• Delay decisions on domestic resources
• Struggle to fund critical services at the same time

This isn’t about politics or ideology. It’s about common sense.

We are calling on the UK Government, including the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, to:

• Provide clear and decisive direction on the use of UK energy resources
• Take forward domestic energy projects where appropriate
• Ensure transparency around the revenues generated
• Commit to using that value to support essential public services

If we are going to use energy — and we are — then it is only right that the country and its people see a clear and direct benefit from it.

If you agree, please sign and share this petition.