Don - "I wonder if that intention has anything to do with the Tories just released platform." I wouldn't make a guess. First, I don't follow their politics very closely. Second, politicians campaign on improving X, Y and Z when in reality they have little control over the dynamics.
Mr. Ratcliffe appears to be an opportunist. And I don't mean that in a bad way. And understand: he's not getting into developing oil/NG assets but gathering and transporting those of other companies. Generally not a business the large companies care to be involved with especially when the system is shrinking. Additionally selling off such assets can help mend the balance sheets of those public companies damaged by the oil price decline.
In a way similar to an investment company that buys a lot of foreclosed homes on the cheap during a real estate bust. The mortgage companies don't like to hold onto such properties any longer then they have to.