Bring North Sea oil and gas under greater public control, report urges

Common Wealth thinktank warns that communities and taxpayer may have to pick up pieces when production ends

North Sea oil and gas must be brought under greater public control to avoid a cliff-edge collapse of the industry and secure a sustainable future for workers and communities, according to a report.

Under the current private ownership model the inevitable end of North Sea oil and gas production - whether through government action or the lack of viable oilfields - will lead to private companies abruptly abandoning the basin, leaving frontline communities and the state to deal with the social and economic consequences, the authors predict.