Thank you to everyone who got in touch about Rosebank and North Sea oil and gas, and for sharing your views. I know there has been a lot of speculation on this issue recently, so I appreciate the opportunity to make clear that I remain committed to supporting a fair, secure and well-managed transition away from fossil fuels in the North Sea. I am assured that the Government remains committed to this too.
North Sea oil and gas will continue to play a role in our energy system for decades to come. But I agree that new fields can neither protect households from the sort of global gas price volatility we are currently seeing nor provide genuine energy security. They would also accelerate the climate crisis. That is why I am proud to have stood on a manifesto that committed to make use of existing fields throughout their remaining lifetime while ending new licenses for exploring new oil and gas fields.
I welcome the Government’s plan to implement this pledge, which recognises the reality of the continued role of oil and gas in our energy mix, while protecting jobs, maintaining our energy security, creating new opportunities for the future and keeping us at the forefront of global efforts to transition away from fossil fuels. It does this by setting out how existing fields will be managed responsibly – including by allowing limited production where it is it is linked to existing fields and infrastructure – while supporting the growth of clean energy industries and the jobs that come with them.
On Rosebank specifically, the situation remains that the Government must make an impartial decision through a formal, evidence-based process. I welcome that following court rulings against the previous administration’s decision-making on this issue, this Government responded swiftly by issuing new guidance to ensure future decisions fully take environmental impacts into account. The Government will now make a final decision after assessing the significance of those impacts and balancing relevant considerations on a case‑by‑case basis. I will continue to follow this closely.
More broadly, I agree that the real solutions to Britain’s energy challenges lie in expanding renewable energy and improving the energy efficiency of our homes. That is why I continue to support the Government’s mission to deliver clean power by 2030 and to upgrade millions of homes so that they are warmer and more energy efficient.
Thank you once again to everyone who contacted me about this crucial issue. I remain committed to taking responsible action on the climate and energy security while ensuring a just and secure transition in the North Sea.