The antiquated lobbying laws in the UK have permitted fossil fuel firms to exercise undue influence over climate and energy policy, thereby undermining attempts to address the climate emergency effectively.
How often do fossil fuel lobbyists meet ministers?
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fossil fuel lobbying groups, like Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), have met with government ministers over 210 times, influencing policies related to projects such as investment allowances and windfall tax reliefs that essentially incentivise fossil fuels.
In 2023, fossil fuel lobbyists met UK government officials 343 times—an average of 1.4 meetings for each working day. In addition, fossil fuel lobbyists had dozens of meetings with ministers, including those with responsibilities for energy security and net-zero policies by major companies, such as BP, Shell, and EDF Energy.
Almost all of the UK’s major banks continue to finance fossil fuel projects at levels that are incongruent with climate commitments, despite their stated net-zero targets.
Furthermore, during critical events, like the drafting of the Energy (Oil and Gas) Profits Levy Bill in June 2022, fossil fuel lobbying peaked, with the fossil fuel lobby holding twice as many meetings as in previous months, and arranging receptions in parliament to get MPs and peers on side. These meetings do shape legislation, helping the fossil fuel industry obtain tax breaks and investment allowances that privilege fossil fuel extraction, rather than penalising it.
How do donations shape UK fossil fuel policies?
By contrast, prominent climate and social justice organisations only met with ministers 33 times during the same time period, establishing a clear imbalance in access and influence. The presence of fossil fuel interests has offered millions to UK political parties. For example, in the conservative party, between 2019 – 2024, fossil fuel, polluter and climate denialist donations totalled at least £8.4 million, and Labour MPs have received at least £45,000 in donations since mid-2024.
It is unambiguous that there is a direct correlation between fossil-fuel donations and pro-fossil-fuel policies being pursued by governments and policymakers. For example, the North Sea transition deal during 2021 proceeded after at least £420,000 in donations from oil and gas interests was secured. While this deal included no new licensing rounds, they continued to extract fossil fuels, despite international calls to cease all new fossil fuel development.
What loopholes exist in UK lobbying regulations?
UK lobbying laws are limited. Only private sector consultancy lobbyists must register, while in-house lobbyists for corporations (including fossil fuel companies) are exempt, creating large loopholes. This means much lobbying activity remains unregulated and opaque.
What reforms could improve UK lobbying transparency?
Advocates are encouraging the UK government to put strict restraints on access to decision-makers for the fossil fuel sector in the same way they have for the tobacco sector. Proposals include a ban on fossil fuel donations to politicians, limits to meetings with fossil fuel lobbyists, and stricter rules around the “revolving door” between governmental positions and fossil fuel corporations. More education is exposed to lobbying restrictions, lobbying transparency laws are expanded to cover all lobbyists, including corporate in-house and non-profit, and stricter penalties for contravention should be added.
