UK government enacts permanent ban on new North Sea oil and gas licences

The United Kingdom will introduce legislation that permanently prohibits the issuance of new oil and gas exploration licences in the North Sea. The ban, embedded in the Energy Independence Bill announced in the King’s Speech, fulfills a Labour Party manifesto pledge and is presented as a cornerstone of the government’s plan to make the UK a “clean energy superpower” by 2030, focusing on renewables, nuclear and offshore wind.

Existing North Sea fields will be allowed to run down, while the ban aims to redirect investment and skills toward offshore wind, carbon capture, hydrogen and other low‑carbon projects. Critics warn the policy could cost the Treasury billions in future tax revenue, increase reliance on imported fossil fuels and jeopardise jobs in the oil‑gas supply chain. Supporters argue it sends a clear climate signal, repurposes existing infrastructure and positions the UK as a leader among major oil‑producing nations in phasing out new exploration.