Energy industry leaders, trade union bosses, and other groups have jointly urged Labour MPs to back North Sea oil and gas, arguing it supports jobs, communities, and the economy while helping the UK meet its climate obligations. In an open letter, they insist that support for the North Sea is about more than oil and gas, claiming current UK policies, including Labour's opposition to new developments, leave the country importing over 40% of its energy needs from volatile regions.
Letter Highlights Economic and Climate Benefits
The letter, signed by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the GMB union, the Chemical Industries Association, and Fuels Industry UK, among others, argues that using oil and gas from the North Sea supports jobs and sustains communities. With comparatively lower emissions than imported fuel, supporters say it is a more responsible choice for the climate. The letter urges Labour MPs: "For our jobs and communities, economy and security, and for our climate obligations – we are asking you to back North Sea oil and gas. Not imports."
It adds: "Support for the North Sea is about more than oil and gas. It is a signal that the country remains committed to producing, building and manufacturing. It is a signal that Government backs the people and places that have powered this country for generations."
Industry and Union Leaders Speak Out
Workers wearing PPE and hardhats will present the letter to Labour MPs in London after an all-industry summit. Apprentices will also be present to highlight the North Sea's importance for future jobs. OEUK chief executive David Whitehouse said: "Our colleagues in other industries are joining us to show their support for this basic message. Energy security, economic resilience and reindustrialisation depend on maintaining domestic energy production as well as greater investment in renewable and low-carbon technologies."
He added: "We fully support the Government's ambition to build a secure, lower-carbon energy system, but energy transition must follow an all-energy approach that builds on existing industrial strengths and strengthens rather than weakens national industrial capability."
GMB general secretary Gary Smith stressed: "In an increasingly uncertain world, it is more important than ever that we can get the energy we need to power our homes, businesses, and essential public services. We will need oil and gas for decades to come. Increasing our reliance on imported energy from overseas for the essential elements that power our economy and keep the country going, leaves us worryingly exposed." He added: "GMB is looking to the Government to show it understands the significance of this moment; jobs, communities, and our national security are at stake."
Chemical and Fuel Industries Emphasise Competitiveness
Steve Elliott, chief executive of the Chemical Industries Association, stressed the importance of "competitive and secure energy to run our factories and to produce the critical materials that underpin the country's critical infrastructure, our growth sectors and the clean energy future." He stated: "If the new administration is serious about re-industrialisation and good growth across the country, then it must do all it can to make that energy competitive and secure. Backing North Sea oil and gas alongside renewables is not about slowing progress. On the contrary, it is about strengthening industrial competitiveness, protecting jobs and reducing reliance on imports in an increasingly volatile world."
Elizabeth de Jong, chief executive officer at Fuels Industry UK, said that as the UK continues to need fuels, "it makes sense to maximise the value created here at home by supporting both refineries and North Sea production." She stated: "Domestic manufacturing sustains high-skilled jobs, strengthens energy security and underpins our industrial future."
Government and Environmental Responses
A UK Government spokesperson said: "Oil and gas production will be with us for decades to come, and we will manage existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan – while actively scaling up clean energy industries in the North Sea. Issuing new licences to explore new fields cannot give us energy security and will not take a penny off bills. Our ambitious plans will make the North Sea a clean energy powerhouse and support up to 40,000 new jobs in Scotland by 2030."
However, Robert Palmer, deputy director of environmental campaign group Uplift, countered: "It is a bit rich of the oil and gas industry to claim it stands with workers – or that more drilling will improve energy security. After 60 years of drilling, the North Sea is a declining, ultra-mature basin. The UK has burned most of its gas and what's left is mostly oil, the vast majority of which is exported and sold on international markets. New drilling will do little for energy security." He insisted: "The government should ignore the special pleading of companies that have got very rich while households faced soaring energy bills and workers saw declining conditions and security. Instead, it should invest in industries with a future, like wind manufacturing, that can provide good jobs for generations of workers."
