Oil and Gas Sector 2024-01-16
2024-01-16
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question addresses the need for government support for the oil and gas industry during its transition to renewable energy sources.
What steps she is taking to support the oil and gas sector. The North sea is a mature basin, and production will naturally decline in coming years. The MP questions what actions are being taken by the Government to use UK's gas and oil reserves for smoother transition to renewables while ensuring employment and wealth prospects.
The North sea is a declining basin, but it's important not to lose skills and jobs provided by oil and gas industry. The Government will continue using oil and gas for decades, supporting the industry during transition to decarbonisation.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment regarding stability and competitiveness of the sector was not provided.
Rebutted Opposition Party'S Stance
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question references a report by Offshore Energies UK which highlights the potential for workforce expansion in the sector.
Is the Minister aware that Offshore Energies UK published a workforce insight last year highlighting that the number of people working in the sector could increase by 50%? For this to become reality, what commitment can my right hon. Friend offer to stability and competitiveness?
My right hon. Friend is correct, this is a declining basin and it's crucial to support skills and jobs in the current reliance on oil and gas. The Government will continue using oil and gas for decades while supporting the industry through transition to decarbonisation.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment regarding stability and competitiveness of the sector was not provided.
Rebutted Opposition Party'S Stance
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question highlights the need for refinery capacity to benefit from oil and gas resources released by new licensing regime.
Does the Minister recognise that we need refinery capacity to benefit fully from extracted oil and gas? There has been little investment due to uncertainty and carbon taxes. When will the issue be addressed?
We are part of European market, with most gas consumed in UK and oil refined elsewhere. Refineries predominantly use imported oil due to multi-decadal investments. Government aims to manage decline sensibly but criticises Labour for importing more with no jobs or tax.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific commitment regarding refinery capacity was not provided.
Rebutted Opposition Party'S Stance
Discussed Broader Policy Context
Response accuracy