Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 9
9
Commit to issuing explanatory statements detailing how oil and gas applications are balanced.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government commit to issuing an explanatory statement after assessing each application, setting out how it has balanced the environmental impact against the economic and energy security benefits of oil and gas fields in its assessment. A justification is vital to ensure the industry and wider public can understand and be confident in the Government’s stewardship of the North Sea continental shelf. (Recommendation, Paragraph 76) Managing the transition
Government Response
A response document is linked to this report, dated 16 January 2026. Response attribution to this recommendation has not been verified. Read the response document ↗