Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill clears final House of Commons stages

The government’s Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill cleared its final House of Commons stages today, with 285 MPs voting in favour of the legislation at third reading and 218 MPs voting against.

The legislation would place the North Sea Transition Authority under a duty to run annual applications for new offshore oil and gas licences.

The bill will now continue its journey through parliament in the House of Lords.

Speaking in the commons third reading debate today, energy security and net zero minister Graham Stuart said: “This bill is about ensuring a smooth and orderly transition [to net zero]. New licences under this bill will manage the decline in domestic oil and gas production rather than increase production above current levels.

“And they will give industry certainty. Sending a strong signal to support continued investment in the sector. Investment that is necessary both for our energy security and to help deliver the energy transition”.

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