Johnson hints UK oil and gas output must rise to cut dependence on Russia

PM insists move will not undermine push for net zero; critics say it would have little effect on consumer bills

Boris Johnson has said the UK may have to increase its domestic gas and oil production in order to wean itself off Russian resources, despite the opposition of climate campaigners and some scepticism in the cabinet.

The prime minister said the UK was looking at increasing North Sea output, although critics say it would take two decades to ramp up significantly and would have little immediate effect on the impending rise in domestic energy bills.