Leading representatives from the UK’s energy sector came together with parliamentarians for a breakfast briefing to discuss the future of the nation’s energy sector.
Hosted in collaboration with Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), OPITO, the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce (AGCC), on behalf of the British Chambers of Commerce network (BCC), and sponsored by Seamus Logan MP, the event convened policymakers, industry leaders, and business representatives to explore how the UK can strengthen its domestic energy capabilities, safeguard skilled jobs, and drive innovation across the energy supply chain.
With the Autumn Budget on 26 November approaching, the event provided a timely platform for industry to share evidence and insights on how government policy can best support long-term growth and energy resilience.
OEUK Supply Chain and People Director Katy Heidenreich said:
'A thriving domestic energy sector is crucial to achieving the UK Government’s economic growth mission. While plans for a green energy future are welcome, it must not be forgotten that the UK already has a successful energy industry which supports 200,000 jobs and is a key pillar of our economy.
'Today, we are seeing those skilled jobs being lost on a scale that would be unacceptable in any other sector. Almost 1,000 direct and indirect jobs in the UK oil and gas sector are set to be lost every month between now and 2030. But with supportive government policies, it doesn’t have to be this way.
'We’re calling for the Energy Profits Levy to be reformed and replaced in 2026 with a permanent profits-based mechanism. Industry has submitted a proposal to the Treasury that protects public revenues while unlocking investment in the UK’s energy future.
'Get this right and our industry will add £137 billion to the UK economy by 2050, bring forward over £40 billion of new projects, pay more tax – not less, and safeguard 160,000 jobs across the country by 2030.
'Ahead of the Autumn Budget on 26 November, it is crucial for the Government to hear the voice of the industry and the communities it supports, as well as the importance of the sector to Britain’s industrial future.'
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive at AGCC, said:
'This briefing comes at a pivotal moment for the UK energy sector. The decisions taken in the coming months will determine whether we secure the investment needed to power a just transition, or continue to see skilled jobs, tax revenues, and energy security eroded.
'The message from business is clear: we need stability, predictability, and a fiscal regime that encourages long-term investment in both oil and gas and renewables. The North Sea is the cornerstone of our energy system and the skills it supports are vital to achieving net zero.
'The Chamber is proud to stand alongside our partners in urging the Government to back this industry – because the energy transition cannot succeed without a strong, thriving domestic supply chain at its heart.'
Michael Love, Director of Skills Policy at OPITO, said:
'As we look ahead to the Autumn Budget, today’s discussions at Westminster have reinforced that people and skills are central to unlocking the UK’s energy ambitions.
'The Framework for Growth highlighted both the challenges and the opportunities across our industrial base, from sustaining vital oil and gas capabilities to accelerating new investment in renewables, hydrogen, and carbon capture.
'The next phase must be about turning intent into implementation. That means targeted support for workforce transition, investment in skills infrastructure, and a long-term approach that gives industry and individuals the confidence to plan for the future.
'OPITO stands ready to work with government and industry to ensure that the UK’s workforce has the capabilities needed to deliver a secure, competitive, and low-carbon energy system.'
Source: OEUK
