A new nationwide poll indicates that a significant majority of the British public advocates for increased domestic oil and gas production to bolster energy security amidst global instability. The research, conducted by Opinium for Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), surveyed a representative sample of 2,000 UK adults between 10 and 13 March 2026, revealing widespread concern over reliance on energy imports.
According to the findings, 76 per cent of respondents found it compelling that “because global events can disrupt energy supplies, the UK should continue producing oil and gas at home rather than relying more on imports.” Furthermore, 74 per cent agreed that the UK should “produce as much of its own oil and gas as possible rather than rely on imports.” The poll also suggests a preference for a balanced energy strategy, with 40 per cent believing the optimal approach to UK energy security involves investing in a mix of renewables and domestic oil and gas, compared to 26 per cent favouring a renewables-only strategy and 13 per cent opting solely for fossil fuels.
The sentiment comes as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to raise concerns about energy prices and supply chains. Chris O’Shea, CEO of Centrica, which owns British Gas, warned that global oil supplies are currently down 20 per cent due to the conflict, making price rises “inescapable” if the situation persists. In response, Shadow Housing Secretary Steve Reed urged the public against panic-buying fuel, stating, “There’s no need to ration fuel. People should go around and buy their fuel just like they always would.”
Industry leaders are leveraging these findings to press the government for a stable fiscal environment. David Whitehouse, CEO of OEUK, commented: “The public are clear: the UK needs homegrown energy and a balanced transition that strengthens our national security.” He added that people desire “renewables and UK oil and gas working side by side – not one instead of the other – and they want decisions based on long-term rules, not short-term politics.”
The poll also delved into the contentious Energy Profits Levy (EPL), often referred to as a windfall tax. While 59 per cent of those surveyed believe oil and gas companies should pay higher taxes during periods of unusually elevated prices, a larger proportion, 67 per cent, emphasised that any such tax must be “rules-based, providing clear, predictable certainty about how companies will be taxed.” The EPL, introduced in May 2022 and currently set at a combined headline rate of 78 per cent, is slated to remain in place until March 2030, a policy the industry contends discourages vital investment.
The debate extends to the future of undeveloped North Sea fields, such as Rosebank and Jackdaw, which the UK government is considering for approval. Rosebank, located 80 miles west of Shetland, is one of the UK’s largest undeveloped oil sites, estimated to hold around 300 million barrels of oil. Jackdaw, situated 150 miles east of Aberdeen, has already received regulatory approval. While the government has committed to ceasing new oil and gas exploration licences, pre-approved projects may still proceed.
Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary and North East MSP, Douglas Lumsden, said: “The message from the public could not be louder or clearer – support the extraction of North Sea oil and gas before it’s too late.
“At a time when 1,000 jobs in the industry are being lost every month, the desire of both the SNP and Labour to turn off the taps in the North Sea is an act of national self-harm and economic sabotage.
“The escalating crisis in the Middle East has only reaffirmed how crucial it is to support oil and gas production from our own waters rather than relying on foreign imports.
“This poll shows that both governments are blatantly ignoring the needs of the public, and are totally disconnected from what people in the real world think.
“Both the SNP and Labour are continuing to decimate our oil and gas industry by refusing to support Rosebank, Cambo and Jackdaw, while threatening our energy security in the process.
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“It’s high time John Swinney and Keir Starmer drop their reckless playground politics, and follow the lead of the Scottish Conservatives by supporting Scotland’s oil and gas industry.”
Professor Karen Turner, Director of the Centre for Energy Policy at Strathclyde University, offered an economic perspective, noting that increasing North Sea drilling would not directly lower oil and gas prices as “even if companies are extracting from the North Sea, they still have to sell at the global price.” However, she highlighted the potential for increased domestic production to provide more revenues for the public purse and stimulate economic activity.
Politicians continue to weigh in, with Scottish Conservative shadow energy secretary Douglas Lumsden stating, “The message from the public could not be louder or clearer – support the extraction of North Sea oil and gas before it’s too late.” Conservative politician Sir James Cleverly also advocated for opening North Sea oil and gas fields and reducing “green taxes” to alleviate costs.
