Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department's upcoming consultation on updated environmental guidance for offshore oil and gas projects will include measures to enact the ban in primary legislation; and when he plans to launch that consultation.

On 30 October the Government launched a public consultation on draft guidance that will help offshore operators understand how to assess end-use (scope 3) greenhouse gas emissions associated with oil and gas extraction projects in areas that have already been licensed.    This is a necessary step following the Supreme Court Finch judgment.

The consultation closed on 8 January 2025 and the finalised guidance will be published in the Spring.

Separately, the Government will also shortly consult on the implementation of its manifesto position not to issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields.