The King’s Speech Debate: Energy Security

In the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026 the Energy Independence Bill was announced, to scale-up homegrown renewable energy and protect living standards for the long-term. The speech also included a commitment to take forward recommendations of the Nuclear Regulatory Review in 2025 and introduce the Nuclear Regulation Bill to encourage a new era of British nuclear energy generation. Following the speech, there are 5 days scheduled for debate where any topic relating to the speech can be debated.

On 19 May 2026 the House of Commons debated the following Conservative amendment to the speech:

to add ‘but respectfully regret that the Gracious Speech commits to banning the issuance of licences to explore new oil and gas fields; recognise that this proposal will have a particularly negative impact on Aberdeen, the North East of Scotland and the wider UK economy; believe instead the Government must approve the Rosebank oil field and the Jackdaw gas field, which would boost UK energy security; urge the Government to drop its opposition to new oil and gas licences and instead legislate for a presumption in favour of approving new licences, and permit the exporting of oil and gas technology overseas; further regret the cancellation of a third large-scale nuclear power plant at Wylfa; and further urge the Government to abolish the ‘carbon tax’ regime to avoid more refinery closures, protect the domestic supply of refined products, and reduce the tax burden on UK industry.’

The amendment was not agreed: Ayes 108, Noes 323.

The debate was suspended and will be continued on 20 May 2026.