Miatta Fahnbulleh, the UK's new Energy Secretary, said she will take a "pragmatic" approach to North Sea oil and gas, after replacing Ed Miliband in the post. Speaking to Times Radio, she said, "I think it is about pragmatism."
Fahnbulleh reiterated Labour's commitment to honor licenses already granted while issuing no new ones, and declined to say whether her approach would differ significantly from her predecessor's. She said oil and gas would remain "part of the energy mix" while the government pursues the transition to cleaner energy.
Her appointment comes as decisions loom on the Jackdaw and Rosebank developments in the North Sea, both of which are moving through the consenting process.
The stance keeps in place the government's existing energy policy: approving developments already in the license pipeline while withholding new exploration awards.
Union pressure
Union leaders warned that restricting domestic production would cost jobs and are expected to press for an early meeting with Fahnbulleh. Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB, said a secure domestic energy supply matters "in a dangerous world" and that leaning more on imports would hurt "the nation's finances." He called the current approach a "reckless and damaging policy of choosing imports over UK energy production."
Government response
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson called the North Sea "a vital national asset" that supports UK jobs, growth and energy security. The spokesperson said oil and gas will keep playing "an important role in our energy system for decades to come," together with renewables, nuclear and other low-carbon energy sources. The department's focus, the spokesperson added, is on providing stability and ensuring the North Sea continues to make "a strong contribution to the UK's economy and energy security."
