Keir Starmer Emphasizes Crucial Role of UK’s Domestic Oil and Gas Sector
Aberdeen, Scotland – July 30, 2025 – In a significant address today, Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, underscored the continued and vital importance of the nation’s domestic oil and gas production. Speaking at an event hosted by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the leading trade association for the offshore oil and gas industry, Mr. Starmer highlighted the sector’s indispensable contribution to the UK’s energy security, economic prosperity, and its role in the transition to a net-zero future.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for the UK’s energy landscape, as the nation navigates the complexities of global energy markets and strives to meet its ambitious climate targets. Mr. Starmer articulated a clear vision for the future of the industry, acknowledging its deep roots in the UK economy and its potential to provide essential resources and skilled employment for years to come.
A key theme of the Prime Minister’s speech was the concept of “energy security.” He stressed that maintaining a robust domestic oil and gas sector is fundamental to safeguarding the UK against volatile international supply chains and price shocks. By continuing to produce oil and gas at home, the UK can ensure a more reliable and predictable energy supply for its citizens and businesses, mitigating the risks associated with over-reliance on imports.
Furthermore, Mr. Starmer recognized the significant economic benefits that the offshore energy sector brings to the UK. He pointed to the thousands of high-skilled jobs supported by the industry, particularly in regions like the North East of Scotland, and the substantial tax revenues generated, which contribute to public services. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting these vital economic contributions and fostering an environment where the sector can thrive responsibly.
Crucially, Mr. Starmer also framed the continued importance of domestic oil and gas within the broader context of the UK’s net-zero ambitions. He emphasized that the transition to cleaner energy sources will be a gradual process, and that the skills, technologies, and infrastructure developed within the offshore oil and gas industry are essential for enabling this transition. The Prime Minister suggested that the expertise gained in offshore operations can be leveraged to develop and deploy renewable energy technologies, such as offshore wind and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). This approach, he argued, allows the UK to harness its existing strengths to build a sustainable energy future.
Mr. Starmer’s address was met with appreciation from OEUK. The organization has consistently advocated for a pragmatic and balanced approach to energy policy, recognizing the need for both security of supply and the pursuit of net-zero emissions. OEUK has highlighted that domestic production, when undertaken to the highest environmental and safety standards, can play a crucial role in this dual objective.
The Prime Minister’s clear endorsement of the domestic oil and gas sector signals a continued governmental recognition of its strategic importance. It provides a degree of certainty and support for an industry that is investing heavily in innovation and in its own decarbonization efforts, aiming to deliver the UK’s energy needs responsibly while contributing to the nation’s wider climate goals. This message of continuity and strategic vision is expected to resonate throughout the sector and beyond.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer underlines importance of domestic oil and gas production
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Oil & Gas UK (OGUK) published ‘Prime Minister Keir Starmer underlines importance of domestic oil and gas production’ at 2025-07-30 08:37. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.