Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy, Security and Net Zero what assessment he has made of the potential impact of allowing new oil and gas (a) licenses and (b) developments on the (i) health of Marine Protected Areas and (ii) target to protect 30 per cent of land and sea by 2030.

The Government has undertaken an Offshore Energy Strategic Environmental Assessment (OESEA4) of a draft plan for licensing and leasing areas for future offshore energy developments including offshore oil and gas, in relevant waters of the UK Continental Shelf. In advance of any licence award, a further Habitats Regulations and Marine Protected Area/Marine Conservation Zone Assessment will be undertaken.

Development proposals for offshore oil and gas are dealt with by the relevant regulators; the North Sea Transition Authority and the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED). As part of the regulatory process, OPRED considers the Environmental Impact Assessment for development proposals to ensure the impact on the environment, including marine protected areas is taken into account.