OEUK Position Paper
Securing a Modern Industrial UK With Homegrown Energy
Ahead of the Opposition Day Debate on UK Oil and Gas – 24 March 2026
Context: Why we are setting out our position today
Later today, Parliament will hold an Opposition Day debate on the future of UK oil and gas. Competing amendments will be tabled:
The Opposition motion calls for removing the Energy Profits Levy, approving Rosebank and Jackdaw, and restoring investor confidence by ending the ban on new licences. It highlights the North Sea’s contribution to secure gas supply, 200,000 jobs, and tax revenues.
The Government amendment argues for maintaining existing fields, focusing on Transitional Energy Certificates, and accelerating clean energy without issuing new licences that would take years to come online.
The SNP amendment focuses on Scotland’s energy revenues, the speed of decline in oil and gas, calls for the Oil and Gas Price Mechanism, and argues for Scotland having full control over its resources.
In this political moment OEUK is publishing this pragmatic, evidence‑led position to help frame the discussion.
Our position: a balanced, evidence‑led path to energy security
Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) represents more than 450 organisations across oil, gas, wind, hydrogen and carbon capture. Our position is straightforward:
The UK needs homegrown oil and gas alongside a rapid build‑out of renewables.
Energy security is national security.
A modern industrial UK depends on a strong, skilled, integrated offshore energy sector.
We work constructively with all political parties. The UK still derives 75% of its total energy from oil and gas, and 24 million homes rely on gas for heat. Electricity is only a third of our total energy use. Even in net‑zero scenarios, the UK is expected to use 13–15 billion barrels of oil equivalent to 2050.
At the same time, the UK has exceptional resources to expand offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon storage at pace. This is why the UK cannot afford an “either/or” approach. It must pursue both: responsible domestic production and accelerated renewables.
Why today’s debate matters – and why pragmatism is needed
1. The public overwhelmingly back a balanced, homegrown approach.
OEUK polling shows:
2. Domestic production is cleaner, more secure, and higher value.
UK offshore gas averages 28 kg CO₂e/boe, compared with 85 kg for imported LNG. It also supports 240,000 skilled jobs and contributes £36bn a year to the UK economy.
3. Decline is policy‑driven, not geological.
Production has fallen 40% in five years, and could halve again by 2030. But OEUK evidence shows substantial remaining resources and over £25bn of investable gas projects if stability is restored.
4. The UK faces a growing energy import gap.
Without intervention, the UK risks importing 82% of its gas by 2035—at higher cost and higher emissions. Today’s debate reflects this acute risk.
5. Heavy reliance on LNG increases both emissions and geopolitical risk.
LNG should complement, not replace, domestic supply. Over‑reliance raises vulnerability during crises.
Facts all parties should champion
UK energy security requires homegrown oil and gas while we scale renewables. Renewables will power an increasing share of the UK’s future. In the meantime, domestic oil and gas ensure our infrastructure, supply chains and industrial base remain strong enough to support that growth and keep energy flowing year‑round.
The UK imports nearly 40% of its energy- this is a strategic vulnerability. Recent global shocks show the consequences.
The UK offshore sector is the backbone of industrial Britain. It underpins manufacturing, construction, chemicals, refining, and future clean energy industries.
Domestic production is lower carbon than imports. Every barrel not produced in the UK is imported with a higher footprint.
We still need oil and gas for heating, power, transport and industrial feedstocks. Wind and solar are vital – but do not replace these uses overnight.
A stable fiscal regime drives long‑term revenues. Predictability attracts investment and maximises future tax receipts.
Our strategic asks of all parties
Our campaign message
Back a modern industrial UK, secured by homegrown energy.
This means:
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