Energy Security North Sea Gas and Oil 2025-10-22
2025-10-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Government's energy policy is unsustainable, with reports that the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is considering authorising tiebacks to access new oil and gas wells using existing infrastructure in the North Sea.
Will the Secretary of State acknowledge that if we want to increase energy security and reduce energy prices for households and businesses, we must expand the use of the energy resources available to us, including North Sea oil and gas?
Oil and gas from the North Sea will remain part of our energy system for decades to come, but there is a transition that needs to be managed. The previous Government failed to manage it effectively, leading to tens of thousands of jobs going in the North Sea.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not directly address whether expanding the use of North Sea oil and gas is necessary for energy security and reducing energy prices.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The previous Conservative Government is criticised for the loss of tens of thousands of jobs in the North Sea due to a lack of investment. The current government, along with the Scottish Government, invested £18 million in a transition fund to help oil and gas workers move into energy jobs.
Does the Secretary of State agree that the Conservatives have got a cheek? Some 77,000 jobs drifted out of the North sea under their Government, and they did not lift a finger. This Government, along with the Scottish Government, invested £18 million in a transition fund to help oil and gas workers move into energy jobs.
I find myself in agreement with my hon. Friend from the Western Isles. The last Conservative Government did not believe in industrial strategy—it is as basic as that. It is not just a difference of policy; it is a difference of philosophy.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The Scottish Government is criticised for banning the drilling and exploration of oil and gas in British waters, while importing more gas from Norway.
The Secretary of State for Energy is not the messiah. Week after week, I come to this Chamber to ask Energy Ministers and Scotland Office Ministers why they are content to sacrifice one of this country’s greatest national assets and allow highly skilled workers to go on the scrap heap or go overseas. As Scotland’s man at the Cabinet table, the Secretary of State knows that his job is to speak up for those people who are losing their jobs today, not to defend the Secretary of State for Energy.
I gently remind the shadow Secretary of State that there is a difference between abuse and argument. Of course I am happy to be Scotland’s voice at the Cabinet table. That is why only next week I will be meeting a range of energy companies based in Aberdeen and listening directly to them.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary of State did not address why drilling and exploration bans are allowed while importing gas from Norway.
Response accuracy