MPs have voted down a Conservative motion to overturn the UK Government’s ban on new North Sea oil and gas licences.
The opposition proposal – which also called for scrapping the windfall tax and approving the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields – was defeated by 297 votes to 108. A subsequent Labour motion backing the Government’s current approach passed without a vote.
Scottish Labour MPs largely opposed the motion, while the SNP abstained. The SNP had tabled its own motion but it was not selected because the Labour amendment passed.
The UK Government has committed to ending new licensing rounds, although previously approved developments such as Rosebank and Jackdaw remain under consideration.
Separately, Offshore Energies UK warned the UK “urgently” needs to boost domestic production alongside renewables, citing growing global instability and continued reliance on oil and gas.
The vote comes amid rising energy prices linked to the Middle East crisis, with Chancellor Rachel Reeves signalling targeted support for households.
She told MPs: “Contingency planning is taking place for every eventuality so that we can keep costs down for everyone and provide support for those who need it most, acting within our iron-clad fiscal rules to keep inflation and interest rates as low as possible.
“This is not a war that we started, nor is it a war that we joined… but it is a war that will have an impact on our country.
“The challenges may be significant but I promise to do what is right and fair, being responsive in a changing world and responsible in the national interest.”