Ministers accused of ‘environmental crime’ over South Downs oil drilling

UK Oil and Gas says work is to resume at Avington site in national park after decision from Planning Inspectorate

The Liberal Democrats and green groups have accused the government of an environmental crime" after it emerged that potentially large-scale oil drilling is to take place inside the South Downs national park, despite widespread local opposition.

In a statement, UK Oil and Gas, which is part of the consortium wishing to drill at the Avington site near Winchester, said work was to resume in the hope of extracting potentially significant" amounts of the estimated 59m barrels there, lasting up to 2025.