UK announces tough new environmental controls on oil and gas drilling

The UK's Energy Minister Peter Hain has announced tough new environmental controls on oil and gas drilling around Britain's coasts. According to an article in The Independent, the move is aimed at 'protecting whales, dolphins and deep-sea corals from the effects of exploration of the North Sea'.
It said the new controls, which were formulated after consultation with environmental groups, wildlife charities and oil companies, will ensure exploration licences are only awarded to firms who "can prove they will minimise the effect on natural habitats".