Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what steps he plans to take to help tackle chronic oil pollution in UK seas.

The UK has a comprehensive environmental regulatory regime for the offshore oil and gas sector which is administered by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED). The regime ensures that provisions are in place to minimise and, if required, respond to oil pollution. Non-compliance with regulations and permits is investigated by OPRED and if required enforcement action can be taken. OPRED continues to work with industry to improve their performance and further reduce the potential for oil pollution.