At a meeting in Aberdeen, Scotland, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged oil industry leaders to find ways of increasing output as Britain's North Sea oil reserves decline. With the government struggling to combat rising fuel costs, Business Secretary John Hutton announced two new licenses for North Sea production, together with plans for further exploitation of existing oilfields.
The moves came after British truckers converged on London to protest rising taxes on diesel and public opposition mounted to proposals for a retroactive “green tax” on gas-guzzling cars that could double vehicle taxes on some models to more than £430 (over $800) a year.
In a commentary in the Guardian, however, Brown argued that the oil crisis was “a global shock” that required a comprehensive international strategy. He called on G8 leaders to tackle the issue at their July 7 – 9 summit meeting in Japan.
The story was reported in a variety of ways, depending on the outlet. The British press linked Brown's moves to the British truck drivers’ protests, as well as similar actions in France and Spain, and to his call for “global solutions” to the crisis.
The American press only sparsely covered these developments. In the oil state of Texas, the Houston Chronicle recorded Brown's meeting with the oil producers, and briefly mentioned the truckers’ protest, but did not report Brown's comments on the “global shock.” The New York Times, on the other hand, concentrated on Brown's remarks.
None of the articles referred to similar demonstrations by truck drivers, calling for increased oil drilling in the United States, which took place recently in Washington, DC.
‘British PM wants firms to produce more oil’ May 28, 2008, The Houston Chronicle
‘British Leader Warns of Global Oil Price Shock’ May 29, 2008, The New York Times
‘Gordon Brown: We must all act together’ May 28, 2008, The Guardian
