Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the existing cap on fines for offshore oil and gas companies for breaches of environmental regulations.

The Government expects offshore oil and gas operators to meet the highest environmental standards and supports appropriate enforcement action where non-compliance occurs. A range of enforcement powers is already available in respect of breaches of offshore environmental requirements, including civil sanctions and, where appropriate, prosecution. The Government keeps the operation of the regulatory regime under review to ensure that it remains effective, proportionate and capable of protecting the marine environment. The priority is to ensure that the existing regime operates as an effective deterrent and secures compliance with relevant offshore environmental obligations.