In 2023, UK Government officials met with representatives from the oil and gas sector an average of 1.4 times per working day, according to an analysis by Global Witness. The data, derived from Transparency International UK, revealed that at least 65 fossil fuel organizations and industry bodies were identified as meeting with ministers, totaling at least 343 meetings over the year, up from 330 in 2022.

Notably, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) met with oil and gas lobbyists at least 214 times, while meetings for the same department in the previous year numbered 249. Former minister Graham Stuart had 55 meetings with oil and gas representatives, comprising a quarter of his official engagements.

The investigation highlighted a peak in November 2023, with the government engaging 63 times with lobbyists, coinciding with the introduction of the Offshore Petroleum Licensing Bill and the commencement of COP28 in Dubai. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak himself attended seven meetings with oil and gas organizations, including engagements with Shell, North Sea Midstream Partners, and Harbour Energy.

Sector-specific statistics included EDF Energy with 44 meetings, BP with 42, Octopus Energy with 41, SSE with 38, and Shell with 35. The report underlined the persistent increase in such interactions over the past 11 years. The PA news agency has reached out to the Conservative Party for a response.