Offshore Oil and Gas: Venting and Flaring

Baroness Sheehan Excerpts

Thursday 21st May 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Whitehead (Lab)]

I believe that that is a fairly complicated question in terms of national emissions versus overall global emissions. Obviously, as far as the UK generally is concerned, the calculations for emission purposes are based on national emissions. But, as the noble Baroness will know, there is a parallel consideration on what the case is for imported emissions and how that factors into the national figures. I will certainly write to her to clarify that position in total.

[Baroness Sheehan (LD)]

My Lords, I am sure the Minister is very aware that rapidly reducing methane emissions can help us to rapidly cool the planet, effectively buying time for longer-term carbon reduction efforts. Will the Government mandate independent third-party verification of all offshore methane emissions by 2027 so that our exporters can meet the EU’s methane import standards, which will hit us in 2027?

[Lord Whitehead (Lab)]

The ability to independently monitor those emissions has been very much enhanced by satellite technology and various aerial observances, which can accurately depict where those emissions are coming from offshore and who is emitting them, so there is an effective independent verification position in place at present, which will aid greatly towards the achievement of that target by 2030.