UK government to outlaw new North Sea drilling

The Energy Independence Bill would remove the North Sea Transition Authority's ability to grant new oil and gas licences. The legislation will not affect the decision on whether to allow drilling at Rosebank off Shetland - the UK's largest known untapped field - which was approved in 2022 before being subject to legal challenges.

The UK government said it was upholding Labour's 2024 manifesto vow not to issue licences for new oil and gas fields, as well as underpinning its commitment to reducing global warming. The Conservatives described the bill as "dangerous" and accused Labour ministers of being "totally oblivious to the economic and energy threats this country faces".

SNP energy spokesman Graham Leadbitter said the legislation was "designed to exploit Scotland's energy" and reinforced the case for independence. The wide-ranging bill would also formally scrap gas standing charges and introduce reforms designed to speed up grid connections.