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Oil and Natural Gas: Exploration

Asked by Neil Duncan-JordanLabourDepartment for Energy Security and Net ZeroTabled Answered 8 June 2026UIN 4810

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will ensure that new Energy Transitional Certificates uphold high environmental standards to protect UK seas from oil and gas operations.

Answered by Michael Shanks

Any activities undertaken under a Transitional Energy Certificate will remain subject to the UK’s robust environmental regulatory regime. Developers will be required to secure all relevant consents and comply fully with offshore environmental impact assessment legislation and associated guidance before operations can proceed.

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