Industry warns over impact of imported energy

The incoming government has been urged to prioritise domestic oil and gas ahead of imports.

A letter signed by business leaders, trade unions, and trade bodies says the UK economy is at a turning point.

Decisions made now will be key to the economic success or failure of the UK in the coming decades.

It argues supporting North Sea production is not just a commitment to homegrown energy but also a commitment to UK manufacturing and industrial capability.

The letter stressed that the UK will continue to require oil and gas for decades and argues that the key policy choice is whether those resources are produced domestically or increasingly imported from overseas.

David Whitehouse chief executive of Offshore Energies UK said: “Our colleagues in other industries are joining us to show their support for this basic message. Energy security, economic resilience and reindustrialisation depend on maintaining domestic energy production as well as greater investment in renewable and low-carbon technologies.”