VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Fossil Fuels

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 2 December 2025UIN 94994

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will take steps to prioritise domestic oil and gas production over imports.

Answered by Michael Shanks

Our priority is a fair, orderly transition to homegrown clean energy to ensure energy security and protect billpayers.

Further oil and gas exploration and production licences would not meaningfully increase UK production levels, nor would they change the UK’s status as a net importer of oil and gas. The UK benefits from a secure and diverse energy system, drawing on multiple sources to reduce reliance on any single supply.

Our ‘North Sea Future Plan’ sets out how we will implement our manifesto commitments in relation to domestic oil and gas production.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim