Written questions by Bowie.

If he will take steps to ensure that the revised environmental assessments for the (a) Rosebank and (b) Jackdaw fields reflect the potential emissions reductions achieved by domestic oil and gas production compared to higher-emission imports.

It would not be appropriate to comment on individual projects as this risks prejudicing future regulatory decision-making by the Government and the independent North Sea Transition Authority. The Government acted quickly to respond to the Finch judgment on scope-3 emissions and consult on updated guidance. The consultation closed on 8 January 2025 and the Government is working to have the guidance in place as soon as possible. Once the updated guidance is in place, the assessment of environmental statements for offshore Oil and Gas projects can be resumed.

What discussions he has had with (a) Equinor, (b) Shell, and (c) Ithaca Energy on the regulatory process for reassessing the environmental impact of the (i) Rosebank and (ii) Jackdaw fields.

Details of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

If he will take steps to accelerate the environmental reassessment process required for the (a) Rosebank and (b) Jackdaw oil and gas fields.

It would not be appropriate to comment on individual projects as this risks prejudicing future regulatory decision-making by the Government and the independent North Sea Transition Authority. The Government acted quickly to respond to the Finch judgment on scope-3 emissions and consult on updated guidance. The consultation closed on 8 January 2025 and the Government is working to have the guidance in place as soon as possible. Once the updated guidance is in place, the assessment of environmental statements for offshore Oil and Gas projects can be resumed.

With reference to the judgement in the petitions of Greenpeace Ltd and Uplift [2025] CSOH 10, what discussions he has had with the North Sea Transition Authority to ensure that regulatory requirements following that judgement minimise barriers to investment in UK oil and gas production.

etails of Ministers’ meetings with external individuals and organisations are published quarterly in arrears on GOV.UK.

What assessment he has made of the potential economic implications of delay to the (a) Jackdaw and (b) Rosebank oil and gas projects.

It would not be appropriate to comment on individual projects as this risks prejudicing future regulatory decision-making by the Government and the independent North Sea Transition Authority. The Government acted quickly to respond to the Finch judgment on scope-3 emissions and consult on updated guidance. The consultation closed on 8 January 2025 and the Government is working to have the guidance in place as soon as possible.

If he will take steps to ensure that the (a) Jackdaw and (b) Rosebank oil and gas projects can proceed.

It would not be appropriate to comment on individual projects as this risks prejudicing future regulatory decision-making by the Government and the independent North Sea Transition Authority. The Government acted quickly to respond to the Finch judgment on scope-3 emissions and consult on updated guidance. The consultation closed on 8 January 2025 and the Government is working to have the guidance in place as soon as possible. Once the updated guidance is in place, the assessment of environmental statements for offshore Oil and Gas projects can be resumed.

When he plans to issue a decision on the new environmental approvals required for the (a) Rosebank and (b) Jackdaw oil and gas fields.

It would not be appropriate to comment on individual projects as this risks prejudicing future regulatory decision-making by the Government and the independent North Sea Transition Authority. The Government acted quickly to respond to the Finch judgment on scope-3 emissions and consult on updated guidance. The consultation closed on 8 January 2025 and the Government is working to have the guidance in place as soon as possible. Once the updated guidance is in place, the assessment of environmental statements for offshore Oil and Gas projects can be resumed.

What assessment his Department has made of the impact of the Navantia UK buy-out on the local economies of Methil and the Western Isles.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

What steps the Government is taking to ensure that the Navantia UK buy-out of Harland and Wolff contributes to the development of the (a) renewable energy and (b) defence sectors in Scotland.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

Whether the Government has has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Navantia UK buy-out on shipbuilding capacity in Scotland.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

What discussions he has had with Navantia UK on future investment in Harland & Wolff shipyards in Scotland.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

How much Industrial Strategy funding will be allocated to support the continued development of the Harland & Wolff shipyards in Scotland.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

What steps the Government is taking to ensure the buy-out of Harland and Wolff by Navantia UK aligns with (a) defence and (b) clean energy strategies.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

What steps he is taking to ensure that Harland & Wolff’s Scottish sites can compete for future defence contracts following the Navantia UK buy-out.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

What steps his Department plans to take to support the long-term sustainability of Harland & Wolff’s shipyards in Scotland, in the context of the Navantia UK buy-out.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

What steps the Government is taking to monitor the effectiveness of the Navantia UK buy-out in safeguarding skilled jobs at Harland & Wolff’s Scottish shipyards.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

What steps his Department plans to take to engage with local communities in Methil and the Western Isles to ensure that the benefits of the Navantia UK buy-out are fully realised.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

How much the Government has contributed financially to the Navantia UK buy-out of Harland and Wolff; and what estimate he has made of the potential benefit to the Scottish workforce.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the job guarantees for workers at Harland and Wolff’s Scottish sites are upheld after the buy-out by Navantia UK.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.

What role the Government plans to play in supporting the integration of Harland & Wolff’s Scottish sites into Navantia UK’s broader industrial strategy.

The UK Government acted decisively, helping to secure the commercial deal by Navantia UK. This saved all of Harland and Wolff shipyards, protecting 1000 jobs across the country.This industry-led deal will help ensure that the MOD's Fleet Solid Support contract is successfully delivered. Navantia UK has committed to future investment in Harland andWolff, strengthening the UK's industrial base and safeguarding essential sovereign shipbuilding capacity for future naval work and energy contracts.The Industrial Strategy, alongside Sector Plans for the growth-driving sectors, will be published in Spring 2025, aligned with the multi-year Spending Review.The Scotland Office will continue to work with DBT and Navantia UK to support a smooth transition process and will engage with local communities where appropriate to maximise the benefits for all.