A large majority within the program committee of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg's Labour Party (AP) now wants to open the waters off Lofoten for oil exploration within the next four years.
This is a total change from what has been the Government's policy for the past 8 years.
- We will first carry out an impact assessment study of the vulnerable, untapped waters off Lofoten, Vesterålen and Senja. When this analysis is completed, we will make a decision as to whether or not the area should be opened for oil activity, says Helga Pedersen, Deputy leader of the Labour Party.
Up to now, there has been agreement within the three-party coalition government that Lofoten should be put on hold.
The environmental organisations have reacted with anger against what they see as the Labour Party's complete turn-around.
Bellona leader Fredric Hauge says: - We have fought for 20 years, and we shall protect these fantastic regions.
(NRK)
