UK ministers reopen door to drilling at two North Sea oilfields as new guidance released

Michael Shanks says guidance brings clarity' to approval process as analysis finds UK will be almost fully dependent on foreign gas by 2050 even if sites get green light

Ministers have opened the door to approving drilling at two controversial North Sea oilfields, as new guidance on how energy firms should account for future emissions was released.

Michael Shanks, the energy security minister, said on Thursday the guidance would offer clarity on the way forward for the North Sea oil and gas industry", after a supreme court ruling in 2024 that blocked drilling.