It will no longer contest the challenges brought against them by Greenpeace, and its fellow climate campaign group, Uplift. And while it will be up to the courts to make the final decision, the licences look as good as finished. The slow death of the North Sea has now taken another decisive step forwards. 

This is crazy. There are three big flaws with this decision. 

To start with, when did Miliband’s department last display any interest in saving taxpayer money? GB Energy, the new, £8.3bn, state-owned company has been on a hiring spree. But no one yet seems to have a clear idea what it will actually do. 

If Miliband is suddenly so worried about how taxpayer money is being spent, then perhaps he should start there – instead of pinching a few pennies on the legal fees for contesting this legal action.

After all, at least Rosebank and Jackdaw would, if allowed to go ahead, definitely generate some actual energy. This is more than can be said for the Government’s odd investment vehicle.

Next, the door has been opened for green activists to use lawfare to control our economic fate. With this decision, any green pressure group may be tempted to launch a judicial review. And if the Government won’t oppose it, then they have a veto.

Some of these organisations are well-meaning and interested in steadily reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality and protecting biodiversity. Others are not. Among them are anti-growth, anti-capitalist groups, committed to radically changing the way we all live and work.

Extinction Rebellion argues for citizen assemblies to control society – not just against climate change. Others support wealth taxes, unlimited immigration and a far-reaching retribution of power. Its agenda goes far beyond reducing carbon emissions.