Middle East Conflict Energy Security 2026-03-24
2026-03-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Concerns about the Middle East conflict impacting UK's energy security, given reliance on fossil fuels.
I am concerned about our energy security being exposed to events in the Middle East because we have relied on oil and gas for too long. Not only do fossil fuels cause climate change, but buying them on the open market exposes us to price volatility. No further drilling in the North Sea would help mitigate prices. The only true path to energy security is through renewables and nuclear power.
The North Sea will continue to play an important role in our energy mix for decades. We have the largest nuclear building programme in half a century, two record-breaking renewables auctions, and we recently announced that we will bring forward our next renewables auction to July.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or timeline for transitioning away from fossil fuels was not provided
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Concerns about the UK economy, jobs and tax receipts due to recent oil price increases.
Given the recent jump in oil prices, would it not be good for the UK economy, jobs and Government's tax receipts to maximise drilling for North sea oil as Norway does?
I disagree with the right hon. Lady on that one. We will use existing North sea oil and gas fields for their lifetime, including tiebacks announced last autumn. Exploration licences make no material difference to production levels.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Concerns about the impact of Middle East conflict on oil prices affecting families in rural Britain.
In rural and coastal Britain, there is deep worry among families about the effect of the conflict in the Middle East on oil prices. We welcome £53 million to support them but those calling for an expansion of reliance on wholesale oil prices offer no long-term solution to energy security.
My hon. Friend is right. Those people offer no short or long term solution and want to fly in the face of all evidence. The last Government said more UK production of North sea oil and gas would make no difference to global price.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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Concern about the disparity in gas prices between the United States and the UK.
The Secretary of State has just misled the House. Can he explain why the price of gas in the US is a third of the price in the UK? Is it because the Americans use it domestically?
No, it is not. The idea of more drilling would be precisely the wrong thing for our country because it will make no difference to the price. The answer is home-grown clean renewables that we control.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for disparity in gas prices between US and UK were not provided
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
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Context
Concern about the Secretary of State's approach to North Sea drilling.
The Secretary of State has just misled the House. Can he explain why the price of gas in the US is a third of the price in the UK? Is it because the Americans use it domestically?
This party and this Government are taking a pragmatic approach to these issues. We are using existing oil and gas fields for their lifetime, including tiebacks, which is welcomed by industry, but we are not going to fly in the face of the evidence.
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Q6
Direct Answer
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Concern about the Secretary of State's inaction regarding Jackdaw field project.
No other country would deprive itself of vast natural resources. The Jackdaw field alone could provide 250 million barrels of oil equivalent and be up by Christmas but is stuck in limbo because of the Secretary of State's inaction. When will he make a decision?
Before the hon. Gentleman self-combusts, let me tell him that as a result of court decisions, those projects are proceeding at risk. We will make a decision that is legally watertight.
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Q7
Partial Answer
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Concern about the Secretary of State's adherence to rule of law regarding energy projects.
No other country would deprive itself of vast natural resources. The Jackdaw field alone could provide 250 million barrels of oil equivalent and be up by Christmas but is stuck in limbo because of the Secretary of State's inaction. When will he make a decision?
We will make a decision that is legally watertight. The last Government made series of decisions found against them in court.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific legal framework or timeline for making decision was not provided
Response accuracy