MPs have rejected a Conservative bid to permit new licences for exploring oil and gas fields, voting 108 to 323 (majority 215) against a Tory amendment to the King's Speech. The amendment pressed ministers to approve drilling at the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields.
Government's Stance on Energy
In the King's Speech, the Government reiterated its manifesto commitment not to issue new licences for exploring new fields. Under its Energy Independence Bill, it aims to accelerate offshore wind, hydrogen, and grid technologies.
Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho accused Labour whips of instructing MPs to “vote to shut down the North Sea.” She warned that “only a complete whacko” would scale down North Sea oil and gas production.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband defended the Government's approach, noting that £90 billion of private investment has gone into “clean energy” since the 2024 general election. Existing oil and gas fields will remain open for their lifetime under Labour's plans.
“We’re not in favour of a ‘turning off the taps’ position but, I’ll just be honest with the House, nor are we in favour of a drilling every last drop,” Miliband said.
Employment Rights and Transition
The Bill will grant offshore workers in renewables the same employment rights as those in oil and gas sectors, Miliband added. He stressed that dependence on fossil fuels undermines UK sovereignty and living standards.
“There is an answer staring us in the face: energy independence through clean home-grown power we control,” Miliband said, highlighting wind, sun, and nuclear resources.
Conservative motion warned of negative impacts on Aberdeen, north-east Scotland, and the wider UK economy. SNP Westminster leader Dave Doogan questioned if the Government would face a “screeching U-turn” if UK oil and gas production falls faster than consumption.
Miliband responded that the SNP “has had more positions on this than the Kama Sutra.”
Nuclear and North Sea Commitments
The Tory motion also regretted the cancellation of a third large-scale nuclear power plant at Wylfa in North Wales. However, energy minister Michael Shanks reiterated the Government's commitment to the North Sea, warning against misconceptions that it is “not a maturing basin in natural decline.”
Shanks said the Government will introduce transitional energy certificates to enable tie-backs and manage existing oilfields for their lifetime. “The North Sea made Britain an energy nation, this Bill ensures that it will remain one,” he added.
