MPs formally back the Government’s offshore-led energy transition strategy

• 21 May 2026
• Government
• Nick Hood

MPs have backed the UK Government’s offshore-led energy transition strategy after rejecting a Conservative amendment calling for new North Sea oil and gas exploration licences.

The Commons voted 323 to 108 against the proposal, which urged ministers to approve new developments, including the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields.

The vote reaffirmed Labour’s position against issuing new exploration licences, while maintaining support for existing oil and gas fields throughout their operational lifespan. During the debate, ministers linked the policy to the Government’s Energy Independence Bill, which aims to accelerate offshore wind, hydrogen and grid infrastructure development.

Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK’s long-term energy security would come through “clean home-grown power” generated from offshore wind, solar and nuclear energy. The Government also confirmed plans to extend employment protections for renewable energy workers in line with those available in the oil and gas sector as part of the wider offshore transition.

Shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho criticised the approach, arguing it could increase reliance on imported gas and impact North Sea communities and supply chains.

Energy minister Michael Shanks said the North Sea would continue to play a role in the UK’s energy mix, describing it as a “maturing basin in natural decline” while confirming support for existing production and infrastructure.

The parliamentary vote provides further policy backing for the UK’s offshore wind-led energy strategy and wider transition towards domestically generated low-carbon power.

For more information about offshore wind farm projects across the globe, click here.