Fossil Fuels and Offshore Industry
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he plans to (a) end fossil fuel subsidies and (b) provide support for people working in the oil and gas industry to transition to other sectors.
Answered by Sarah Jones
The UK joined the Coalition on Phasing out Fossil Fuel Subsidies (COFFIS) at COP29, which demonstrates the UK’s continued engagement on fossil fuel subsidy reform. The UK has recognised for a long time that our economy will need to become less reliant on fossil fuels to reach our net zero targets. That’s why we’ve taken steps including abolishing an investment allowance for oil and gas production from 1 November 2024 and phasing out coal power in Great Britain as of October 2024.
We know net zero requires a wide-reaching transformation of the UK economy, but equally, it will be an incredible opportunity for jobs and growth all across the country. There is a huge opportunity for reskilling and transferability of skills across the economy. The Office for Clean Energy Jobs (OCEJ) will support efforts to enable workers from high carbon sectors, including oil and gas, to move to clean energy jobs by targeting skill interventions to reskill and upskill workers.
Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →