Ed Miliband is set to revise and soften the government's hardline position on North Sea oil and gas exploration, following a key recommendation from the University of Aberdeen's Professor John Underhill. Reacting to the news, Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce chief executive Russell Borthwick said: 'These reports hint at welcome small steps towards more flexibility on North Sea licensing. 'Allowing new developments to go ahead was one of the clear recommendations of the North Sea Transition Taskforce’s report earlier this year – an important piece of work supported by AGCC and the British Chambers of Commerce. The expected pivot from Miliband could extend the lifespan of the oil and gas sector in the North Sea, supporting 120,000 jobs across the UK. Last month, OEUK (Offshore Energies UK) issued the stark warning that the government's fiscal regime and restrictions on the North Sea would cost the industry 1,000 jobs every month.