Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
If the UK can’t ditch fossil fuels, who can? What impact would more drilling in the North Sea have for UK energy prices? What does the end of the net zero consensus mean for UK energy policy?
This week on Cleaning Up, host Bryony Worthington sits down with Tessa Khan, founder of Uplift, a charity challenging the oil and gas industry's hold on UK energy policy. A lawyer turned campaigner, Khan offers incisive analysis of why the North Sea's fossil fuel era must end.
Drawing from her background in international human rights and development, Khan reveals how the UK could become a global pioneer in energy transformation. She unpacks the economic myths perpetuated by the oil and gas lobby, exposes the minimal benefits of continued extraction, and champions a just transition to renewable energy.
With the UK at a critical political crossroads, Khan offers a masterclass in strategic advocacy, blending data, political insight, and a passionate vision for a sustainable future.
Leadership Circle:
Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.
Discover more:
• Tessa Khan’s organisation, Uplift: upliftuk.org
• Uplift’s report on the future of the North Sea: upliftuk.org/post/the-future-of-the-north-sea
• UK Oil & Gas Reserves Report: nstauthority.co.uk/media/8394/reserves-and-resources-2022.pdf
• BBC article on Rosebank emissions guidance: bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c994v5dy3p0o
Chapters
00:00 - Coming Up
01:00 - Introduction
02:00 - Who is Tessa Khan
06:00 - Founding Uplift
11:00 - Oil & Gas Tax
15:00 - Emerging Wind Industry
17:30 - UK Fossil Fuel Security
21:30 - Energy Independence
23:00 - Ending Oil & Gas Licensing?
26:30 - Rosebank & New Guidelines
31:30 - Financial Liability & Offsets
34:20 - UK Climate Consensus
38:45 - US Abandonment
42:00 - Winning Over Consumers
48:00 - Reducing Energy Bills
51:30 - Right to Protest
54:00 - Impact of Direct Action
55:35 - Outro
If the UK can’t ditch fossil fuels, who can? What impact would more drilling in the North Sea have for UK energy prices? What does the end of the net zero consensus mean for UK energy policy?
This week on Cleaning Up, host Bryony Worthington sits down with Tessa Khan, founder of Uplift, a charity challenging the oil and gas industry's hold on UK energy policy. A lawyer turned campaigner, Khan offers incisive analysis of why the North Sea's fossil fuel era must end.
Drawing from her background in international human rights and development, Khan reveals how the UK could become a global pioneer in energy transformation. She unpacks the economic myths perpetuated by the oil and gas lobby, exposes the minimal benefits of continued extraction, and champions a just transition to renewable energy.
With the UK at a critical political crossroads, Khan offers a masterclass in strategic advocacy, blending data, political insight, and a passionate vision for a sustainable future.
Leadership Circle:
Cleaning Up is supported by the Leadership Circle, and its founding members: Actis, Alcazar Energy, Davidson Kempner, EcoPragma Capital, EDP of Portugal, Eurelectric, the Gilardini Foundation, KKR, National Grid, Octopus Energy, Quadrature Climate Foundation, SDCL and Wärtsilä. For more information on the Leadership Circle, please visit https://www.cleaningup.live.
Discover more:
• Tessa Khan’s organisation, Uplift: upliftuk.org
• Uplift’s report on the future of the North Sea: upliftuk.org/post/the-future-of-the-north-sea
• UK Oil & Gas Reserves Report: nstauthority.co.uk/media/8394/reserves-and-resources-2022.pdf
• BBC article on Rosebank emissions guidance: bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c994v5dy3p0o
Chapters
00:00 - Coming Up
01:00 - Introduction
02:00 - Who is Tessa Khan
06:00 - Founding Uplift
11:00 - Oil & Gas Tax
15:00 - Emerging Wind Industry
17:30 - UK Fossil Fuel Security
21:30 - Energy Independence
23:00 - Ending Oil & Gas Licensing?
26:30 - Rosebank & New Guidelines
31:30 - Financial Liability & Offsets
34:20 - UK Climate Consensus
38:45 - US Abandonment
42:00 - Winning Over Consumers
48:00 - Reducing Energy Bills
51:30 - Right to Protest
54:00 - Impact of Direct Action
55:35 - Outro
