The extreme weather events afflicting the subcontinent, made more likely by climate change, show the need to wind down oil, gas and coal use as soon as possible, argue Basav Sen and Tejal Mankad from the People vs. Fossil Fuels coalition.

The company is currently seeking an estimated £31.7 billion worth of subsidies from the UK government for a similar project.

Michael Hintze, an Australian hedge fund manager, will join several other climate sceptics in the House of Lords.

The fossil fuel industry, smarting from a string of defeats in Oregon and Washington, is hoping to continue to expand in the face of the climate crisis, but without arousing opposition.