Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Oil and Gas Sector

Tuesday 16 January 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The North Sea is a declining basin, but the Government will continue supporting the oil and gas industry during the transition to decarbonisation.
  • The Government aims to manage the decline of the oil and gas sector while supporting skills and jobs in the industry.
  • The Minister acknowledges the need for refinery capacity but notes that most refineries use imported oil due to past investments and the current market structure.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alun Cairns Con
Energy Business & Trade
Context

The question addresses the need for government support for the oil and gas industry during its transition to renewable energy sources.

Question

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.

Answer from Graham Stuart

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment regarding stability and competitiveness of the sector was not provided.

How: Rebutted Opposition Party'S Stance

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Alun Cairns Con
Energy
Context

The question references a report by Offshore Energies UK which highlights the potential for workforce expansion in the sector.

Question

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?

Answer from Graham Stuart

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment regarding stability and competitiveness of the sector was not provided.

How: Rebutted Opposition Party'S Stance

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 Sammy Wilson DUP East Antrim
Economy Energy
Context

The question highlights the need for refinery capacity to benefit from oil and gas resources released by new licensing regime.

Question

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?

Answer from Graham Stuart

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.

Not addressed: Specific commitment regarding refinery capacity was not provided.

How: Rebutted Opposition Party'S Stance, Discussed Broader Policy Context

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)