Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the compatibility of the Rosebank oil field development with the UK's policy objective to (a) protect 30 per cent of the UK's oceans by 2030 and (b) introduce a net gain approach to infrastructure and development in the marine environment.

The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment & Decommissioning (OPRED) is responsible for regulating environmental and decommissioning activity for offshore oil and gas operations in the UK. OPRED is in the process of considering the environmental statement submitted by Equinor in support of the proposed Rosebank development. As part of this process, OPRED completes an Environmental Impact Assessment; consulting with Statutory Nature Consultation Bodies, including the Joint Nature Conservation Committee and the Marine Management Organisation, and will take into account the impact a project may have on the environment within marine protected areas, designated by HM Government and Devolved Administrations under relevant legislation.