An ocean conservation charity has been unsuccessful in its High Court legal challenge against the UK Government concerning almost 30 oil and gas exploration licences granted last year.
The Legal Challenge and Ruling
Oceana UK initiated legal action against the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA). The charity argued that the authorities failed to properly assess the impacts of climate change and the risk of accidental oil spills when they granted the licences in May last year.
However, on Friday, 29 November 2025, Mr Justice Mould dismissed the claim. In his written judgment, he ruled that the process for awarding the 28 licences for oil and gas exploration in the UK continental shelf was lawful.
The judge acknowledged that licensed activities carry inherent risks, stating: "Oil spills and chemical discharges do occur" and there is a principle risk of a major polluting event. Despite this, he found it reasonable for the assessing bodies to approach their assessment on the basis that accidental spills are 'not part of the work plan' and deemed the approach to risk assessment as "properly precautionary."
Arguments from Both Sides
During a hearing in March, Oceana UK's representation, Zoe Leventhal KC, informed the London court that many of the 28 licences overlap with protected marine zones in three key areas:
- West of the Shetlands
- The North Sea
- The Irish Sea
She highlighted that species such as harbour porpoises, puffins, and pink-footed geese could be adversely affected by the exploration activities.
In defence, Rose Grogan, representing DESNZ and the NSTA, argued that Oceana was taking a "scattergun approach" to its challenge. She stated that expert advice had been "considered in detail" and that the government's approach was lawful. The defence emphasised that the licences are solely for exploration and that further, rigorous assessments will be required before any final consent for extraction is granted.
Reactions and Next Steps
Hugo Tagholm, executive director of Oceana UK, responded to the ruling, saying: "Legally, the government's decision to grant these licences stands, but morally, it will never be right." He urged the government to clarify that honouring existing licences does not guarantee future production consents, adding, "We need to honour a safe and stable planet for future generations, not yet more profits for big oil."
Oceana UK has confirmed it is now seeking legal advice on its next steps, which may include an appeal against the decision.
A spokesperson for DESNZ stated: "This judgment means the licences granted under the previous government will remain in place." The spokesperson also pointed to the government's manifesto commitments, which include managing existing oil and gas fields for their lifespan but not issuing new licences to explore new fields.
