Warnings from energy industry leaders have added fresh momentum to the debate over the future of the North Sea, with concerns being raised about the UK’s long term energy security and increasing reliance on imported gas.

Industry body Offshore Energies UK has warned that Britain risks becoming more dependent on liquefied natural gas imports if investment in domestic oil and gas production continues to decline.

Speaking to The Scotsman, OEUK highlighted the importance of supplies from Norway, which currently account for around 43 per cent of the UK’s gas needs, while cautioning that demand for those resources is growing across Europe as countries continue to move away from Russian energy.

The organisation warned that failing to prioritise domestic production could leave the UK increasingly reliant on imports from markets such as the United States and the Middle East.

OEUK suggested that under current trends, almost half of the UK’s gas demand could be met by imported liquefied natural gas by 2035.

However, it argues that increased investment in domestic production could significantly reduce that dependence.

The intervention has prompted renewed political debate, particularly in Scotland where the future of North Sea oil and gas remains a major economic issue.

Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP Graham Leadbitter said the comments underline wider concerns about Westminster’s approach to the sector.

“Westminster has put our energy security in danger and at the same time has ruined jobs across Scotland.

“That’s the fact of their control over our oil and gas.

“There is a geo-political context at play here that makes any discussion around our oil and gas all the more vital, the North Sea is crucial to our energy security.

“It makes zero sense to wreck oil and gas jobs in Scotland to support jobs on the other side of the world at a higher carbon cost while weakening sanctions on Russia.

“We have a moral responsibility to support our allies across Europe while our vast resources should mean lower energy bills in Scotland, Scottish jobs supported and the supply chains that will deliver renewables jobs protected.”

The future of North Sea production remains a contentious issue, balancing concerns around energy security, employment and climate targets.

For communities in the Highlands and across the north east of Scotland, where many jobs and businesses remain linked to the energy sector, the outcome of that debate will continue to have significant economic implications in the years ahead.