The letter points out that even under Net Zero plans, 'the truth is our country will continue to need oil and gas for decades to come'

Labour MPs have been urged to back North Sea oil in an open letter from trade union leaders and industry bosses.

As the party prepares for a new leader, expected to be Andy Burnham, its MPs were told that support of the North Sea sector was vital “for our jobs and communities, economy and security and for our climate obligations”.

“Countries that produce, build and manufacture retain greater control over their economic destiny”, the letter states.

“Those that become increasingly reliant on imports leave themselves exposed to decisions made elsewhere.”

Claiming that current UK policies, including Labour’s opposition to new oil and gas developments, leave the country importing more than 40 per cent of its energy needs from “volatile regions” regions, the letter argues using oil and gas from the North Sea “supports jobs” and “sustains communities”.

And with “comparatively lower emissions” than imported fuel supplies, supporters say this makes it “a more responsible choice for the climate”.

The North Sea is likely to be a key issue for the next Prime Minister, with unions demanding a softer approach to the basin.

The recent Aberdeen South by-election was fought on an oil and gas agenda and ended with the first Tory’s first Scottish Westminster by‑election win in more than 50 years.

The letter, signed by Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), the GMB union, the Chemical Industries Association, Fuels Industry UK and others, urges Labour MPs: “For our jobs and communities, economy and security, and for our climate obligations – we are asking you to back North Sea oil and gas. Not imports.”

It adds: “Support for the North Sea is about more than oil and gas. It is a signal that the country remains committed to producing, building and manufacturing.

“It is a signal that Government backs the people and places that have powered this country for generations.”

The letter points out that even under Net Zero plans, “the truth is our country will continue to need oil and gas for decades to come”.

It contrasts the UK approach to that of Norway, which it says is supporting the “continued development” of the basin rather than a “phase-out” of North Sea oil.

“Our policies leave us importing more than 40 per cent of our energy, including oil and gas and derivative fuel products from volatile regions, while refusing to prioritise our domestic production,” it states.

“That sends the wrong signal to workers, businesses and communities.”

Workers wearing PPE and hard hats will present the letter to Labour MPs in London after an industry summit in the capital.

Apprentices will also be present at the event, highlighting the North Sea’s importance for future jobs.

With the letter also signed by the UK Chamber of Shipping, the British Rig Owners Association and the International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) amongst others, OEUK chief executive David Whitehouse said: “Our colleagues in other industries are joining us to show their support for this basic message.

“Energy security, economic resilience and reindustrialisation depend on maintaining domestic energy production as well as greater investment in renewable and low-carbon technologies.”

He added: “We fully support the Government’s ambition to build a secure, lower-carbon energy system, but energy transition must follow an all-energy approach that builds on existing industrial strengths and strengthens rather than weakens national industrial capability.”

GMB general secretary Gary Smith said: “In an increasingly uncertain world, it is more important than ever that we can get the energy we need to power our homes, businesses, and essential public services.

“We will need oil and gas for decades to come. Increasing our reliance on imported energy from overseas for the essential elements that power our economy and keep the country going, leaves us worryingly exposed.”

He added: “GMB is looking to the Government to show it understands the significance of this moment; jobs, communities, and our national security are at stake.”

Steve Elliott, the chief executive of the Chemical Industries Association, stressed the importance of “competitive and secure energy to run our factories and to produce the critical materials that underpin the country’s critical infrastructure, our growth sectors and the clean energy future”.

He stated: “If the new administration is serious about re-industrialisation and good growth across the country, then it must do all it can to make that energy competitive and secure.

“Backing North Sea oil and gas alongside renewables is not about slowing progress. On the contrary, it is about strengthening industrial competitiveness, protecting jobs and reducing reliance on imports in an increasingly volatile world.”

And Elizabeth de Jong, chief executive officer at Fuels Industry UK, said that as the UK continues to need fuels “it makes sense to maximise the value created here at home by supporting both refineries and North Sea production”.

She stated: “Domestic manufacturing sustains high-skilled jobs, strengthens energy security and underpins our industrial future.”

A UK Government spokesman said: “Oil and gas production will be with us for decades to come, and we will manage existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan – while actively scaling up clean energy industries in the North Sea.

“Issuing new licences to explore new fields cannot give us energy security and will not take a penny off bills.

“Our ambitious plans will make the North Sea a clean energy powerhouse and support up to 40,000 new jobs in Scotland by 2030.”