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North Sea Oil and Gas
24 June 2026
Lead MP
Bradley Thomas
Responding Minister
Michael Shanks
Tags
EmploymentClimateScotlandDemocracy & ElectionsEnergy
Word Count: 14459
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
Bradley Thomas raised concerns about north sea oil and gas in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government must support domestic production in North sea oil and gas to secure jobs and economic stability. They need to address the concerns of workers at risk of losing their jobs due to the ban on new licences and provide detailed information on the quality of clean energy jobs compared to those in the oil and gas industry. The Member asks when new industries will come to Grangemouth and when his constituents will see the change they desperately need. He also questions if the Government will take some form of ownership of these new industries, which are needed for decades to come.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the UK's reliance on imported energy and its impact on domestic production, jobs, and economic stability. The Energy Secretary's targets are pushing the UK into a scenario where demand exceeds supply capabilities, which is reckless and could lead to higher energy bills for households and businesses. According to recent polls, 68% of those supporting emission reduction believe reducing energy bills should be the first priority, while another poll found that 71% of supporters do so on condition that it does not increase their energy bills. The hon. Member for Glasgow North East is concerned about the lack of action in providing a just transition for workers and communities affected by job losses in the oil and gas industry. He mentions that Scottish Labour's policies have left voters worried, with the party finishing fourth in the Aberdeen South by-election despite having an excellent candidate. The constituency needs reindustrialisation to prevent skills and talent exodus.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
The transition should be managed carefully to ensure the critical infrastructure is not lost, avoiding a sudden decline that could push the industry off a cliff and prevent a just transition. Responded that oil and gas are not set up in opposition to renewables, arguing for a transition phase including both sectors. The hon. Member emphasises the distinction between oil and gas, noting that while oil is subject to a global market, gas extracted in the North Sea goes directly into the UK market. He also supports the importance of keeping the critical mass of the oil and gas industry until marine renewable energy becomes commercially viable. How confident is the Minister that existing infrastructure can maintain operations without new licences, both onshore and offshore in Shetland's waters?
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Inquires about the publication date of the new energy strategy from the Scottish Government. He welcomed the newest Conservative MP, advocating for continued support of the oil and gas industry in Aberdeen South. He criticised the Labour MPs who spoke against the current policy, arguing that it was insulting to those working in supply chain industries. Bowie expressed frustration at having to repeat arguments on the same issues, highlighting a potential loss of £13 billion over ten years due to new licence bans in the North Sea. He pointed out contradictions between government claims about tackling climate change and increasing oil imports from Norway, noting the lack of support for workers transitioning into renewables. He highlighted economic impacts such as job losses and reduced investment in floating offshore wind technology.
Aberdeen South
My hon. Friend agrees that Aberdeen's recent message supports the oil and gas sector for jobs, economy, and environment benefits of domestic production over imports. Welcomed by Bradley Thomas, Douglas Lumsden won a recent by-election with almost 50% of the vote, indicating strong support for policies related to the oil and gas industry in his constituency. Questions whether the presumption against new oil and gas licenses in Scotland, as stated in the Scottish Government's energy strategy, is damaging to economic growth and calls for its scrapping.
East Dunbartonshire
The North Sea oil and gas sector is vital for many constituents, but it has lost 70,000 jobs under the previous government and continues to lose jobs. The industry requires protection while transitioning towards renewable energy sources to avoid job losses in north-east Scotland. If there is a drive to invest in renewables, why did it take two years for the decision on Ardersier and what potential job losses could result from this delay?
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
The hon. Member agrees that the majority of people in the UK want a gradual transition to net zero, rather than immediate eco-fanaticism.
Harriet Cross
Con
North West Norfolk
Asks Steve Yemm to confirm the SNP's position on issuing new licences in the North Sea. Given declining production, why does the Government feel it necessary to ban new licences for oil and gas exploration?
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports the debate on North Sea oil and gas, emphasizing national security, economic independence, job creation, and realistic transition to green energy. Critiques premature abandonment of domestic drilling and advocates for utilising UK resources.
I support more drilling in the North Sea and granting of licences for energy security, but it is important to be honest with the British people that this would not lower their bills as oil and gas are sold on international markets.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
About 90% of North Sea reserves have been extracted; has the hon. Gentleman examined how costly it is to extract remaining reserves? It remains uneconomical to do so. Asked about the opportunity to lead in offshore wind and highlighted potential for international influence.
As Teesside sees opportunities for new clean power jobs, what assurance can be given that workers in the offshore industry will have a just transition to these new roles?
Martin Vickers
Con
Cleethorpes
Suggests maintaining refining capacity in the UK amid global instability and highlights the closure of Lindsey oil refinery in his constituency.
Mary Glindon
Lab
North Tyneside
The hon. Member raised questions about the nationwide impact of job losses in the North Sea oil and gas industry, highlighting that this is not just a Scottish issue but affects the UK as a whole, including areas like the north-east. She also pointed out the potential devastating effect if major companies completely pull out of the North sea.
South Dorset
Pippa Heylings highlighted the struggles of families and businesses with rising energy bills, citing an average increase of £221 per year. She stressed the need for a managed transition from North Sea oil and gas to renewable energy sources, advocating for investment in clean energy jobs and a just transition commission. She emphasized the importance of supporting skilled workers during this transition and referenced successful models like the Humber region's offshore wind industry.
Questions why Scottish bill payers are paying the highest bills in the UK despite North Sea extraction, asserting that Scotland's oil and gas should be for Scottish benefit.
Steve Yemm
SNP
Stirling
Welcomes the debate on climate change and energy security, highlighting the need for a just transition that protects North Sea workers. Emphasises the importance of industrial strategy, investment in new industries, strong domestic supply chains, and job-to-job pathways.
Torcuil Crichton
Lab
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
The hon. Member raised concerns about the impact of transitioning from North Sea oil and gas to renewable energy on communities in Scotland, particularly those in his constituency. He highlighted that women are often single parents due to the work patterns in the industry and emphasised the importance of maintaining a pragmatic transition while supporting Scottish skills and jobs. The speaker also called for community-owned renewables to have priority access to the grid and for commercial wind farm companies to be incentivised through the planning system to see communities as partners.
Uma Kumaran
Lab
Birmingham Edgbaston
Ms. Kumaran highlighted the negative impact of North Sea oil and gas on energy bills, arguing that reliance on fossil fuels exposes British taxpayers to global conflicts and price hikes. She cited the effective tax subsidy of £3 billion annually enjoyed by the oil industry, urging instead for investment in renewable energy projects which can deliver wealth back into communities and build global leadership. The hon. Gentleman is making his case very eloquently, but I correct him on what was stated earlier: it is not a claim that his constituents are climate deniers, but rather the stance of some colleagues. The speaker agrees with bringing communities along in the process and believes this aim is shared by the whole House.
Government Response
Michael Shanks
Government Response
Welcomed contributions from other MPs; discussed the importance of clarity on Scottish National Party's energy strategy for industry stability; emphasized that UK government is not against domestic production but recognizes the need for a transition to clean energy; highlighted support for North Sea Transition Authority's role in planning future basin sustainability and infrastructure improvements; committed to extending employment rights and protections to offshore renewables workers; recognized importance of refinery capacity and investment plans for Grangemouth.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.