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United Kingdom

UK government moves to ban new North Sea oil and gas licences

Ending new exploration licences under the Energy Independence Bill draws opposition from Scotland's government and industry, affecting future North Sea investment.

Photo: The Bolton News

What happened

The UK government introduced the Energy Independence Bill to Parliament on November 4, 2026, which would remove the North Sea Transition Authority's ability to grant new oil and gas licences. GOV.UK+1 The government said the move upholds Labour's 2024 manifesto commitment not to issue licences for new oil and gas fields. GOV.UK+1 The legislation would not affect the decision on drilling at Rosebank off Shetland, which was approved in 2022 before being subject to legal challenges. BBC On November 5, First Minister John Swinney told the Scottish Parliament that the Scottish Government does not support the ban on new oil and gas developments. The Bolton News+2 Swinney said his government believes new developments should be subject to climate compatibility tests, and that SNP MPs would vote against the bill unless the ban is removed. The Bolton News+1

Around it

The Conservatives described the bill as dangerous and accused Labour ministers of being oblivious to the economic and energy threats facing the country. BBC SNP energy spokesman Graham Leadbitter said the legislation was designed to exploit Scotland's energy and reinforced the case for independence. BBC The announcement drew criticism from both industry and the Prime Minister's political opposition. The Bolton News+1

Sources

  1. GOV.UKEnergy reforms to cut bills and put power back in people's hands
  2. BBCUK government to outlaw new North Sea drilling
  3. The Bolton NewsSwinney: Scottish Government does not back ban on new oil and gas
  4. Stroud News and JournalSwinney: Scottish Government does not back ban on new oil and gas
  5. The HeraldSwinney to instruct SNP MPs to vote against UK Government ban on new oil and gas

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