Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Energy Profits Levy

Wednesday 15 April 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Chancellor met with industry leaders to discuss the impact of geopolitical volatility on energy prices and reaffirmed support for Britain's oil and gas industry.
  • The decision to retain the energy profits levy was in response to excess profits generated by a geopolitical crisis.
  • The UK Government is actively marketing the Mossmorran site to potential investors and stands ready to invest up to 9 million for a successful future.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rebecca Paul Con Reigate
Scotland Energy
Context

The oil and gas sector is crucial for the UK economy, particularly in Scotland. The question arises from concerns about government policies affecting investments and job security.

Question

What discussions have been had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential impact of the energy profits levy on the oil and gas sector in Scotland? The oil and gas sector is vital not just in Scotland but for the whole UK. Does the Secretary of State share disappointment that the Chancellor's decision to retain the energy profits levy deterred £17.5 billion of private investment, potentially affecting thousands of Scottish jobs and overall energy security?

Answer from Douglas Alexander

The Chancellor met with industry leaders to discuss the impact of geopolitical volatility on energy prices, reaffirming support for Britain's oil and gas industry. The decision to retain the energy profits levy was in response to excess profits generated by a geopolitical crisis. However, it is acknowledged that this has had consequences for investment.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact of retaining the EPL on potential investments and job creation

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Q2 Rebecca Paul Con Reigate
Scotland Energy
Context

The previous question highlighted the importance of the oil and gas sector for UK's economy, especially in terms of job creation and growth. The concern is about the Chancellor's decision to retain the EPL.

Question

Does the Secretary of State share disappointment that the Chancellor deterred £17.5 billion of private investment into the oil and gas sector by retaining the energy profits levy last month, affecting thousands of Scottish jobs and overall energy security?

Answer from Douglas Alexander

It was the Conservative Government who introduced the EPL. They did so in response to excess profits from a geopolitical crisis, not reflecting directly on the current issue and impact on investment and jobs.

Not addressed: The specific disappointment over loss of potential investments due to retaining the EPL

How: Changed Subject To Past Actions By Conservative Government

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Q3 Melanie Ward Lab Cowdenbeath and Kirkcaldy
Employment Scotland Business & Trade
Context

ExxonMobil's plant in the constituency of Melanie Ward ceased production after five years without profit. The UK Labour Government has made £9 million available to support affected workers and find a future for the site.

Question

The ExxonMobil plant at Mossmorran in my constituency has now ceased production, after the company said last year that it had not made a profit for five years. Does the Secretary of State agree with me that it is in the interests of the people of Fife for the Scottish and UK Governments to work together to utilise all available funding and find a viable future for Mossmorran?

Answer from Douglas Alexander

The hon. Friend's efforts on behalf of her constituents are commendable, especially concerning Mossmorran workforce challenges. The UK Government is actively marketing the site to potential investors and stands ready to invest up to £9 million for a successful future.

Answered
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