Trade Body Warns UK It Must Urgently Drill In North Sea To Boost Oil & Gas Supplies

An industry body has warned that UK must “urgently”boost its domestic gas and oil production from the North Sea

Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) has urged the British Government to safeguard the nation’s energy supply amid global instability.

But the Labour party have voted to block North Sea drilling during the energy crisis.

During Wednesdays PMQs, Keir Starmer said that he doesn’t have the power to make decisions on drilling oil and gas in the North Sea.

According to energy secretary say Ed Miliband only clean power will provide ‘energy sovereignty’ amid opposition calls for oil and gas expansion.

The Independent reports: Analysis by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) suggests that gas extracted from the North Sea carries a lower emissions footprint compared to imported liquified natural gas (LNG).

A new report from OEUK is urging the British Government to support domestic oil and gas extraction, including new North Sea drilling, alongside renewable energy initiatives to safeguard the nation’s energy supply.

The organisation’s 2026 business outlook report on the UK’s offshore energy system contends that the country will continue to require substantial volumes of oil and gas for decades, even as renewable energy adoption accelerates.

The report warns that without increased domestic production, the UK risks growing dependence on energy imports at a time of heightened global instability.

While offshore wind, carbon capture, and hydrogen production are set for expanded roles, oil and gas currently fulfil approximately 75 per cent of the UK’s energy needs and are projected to meet around a fifth of demand by 2050, according to the researchers.

The report warns that maintaining domestic supply is essential for energy security, affordability and reliability.

It also said that North Sea gas has a lower emissions footprint than LNG from overseas, supports high-value jobs and reduces exposure to volatile global markets.