UK Government steps up oil rig safety inspections

The Government has announced that it will increase its inspection of North Sea drilling rigs in the wake of the oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico.

Speaking on behalf of the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Energy Secretary Chris Huhne said an urgent review of the measures governing the oil and gas industry in UK waters to ensure safety and protect the environment had found that the regulatory regime was "fit for purpose".

But in the wake of the BP explosion which killed 11 workers and left millions of gallons of oil spewing into the ocean, steps were being taken to strengthen the regime further.

"The Deepwater Horizon gives us pause for thought and, given the beginning of exploration in deeper waters West of Shetland, there is every reason to increase our vigilance." said Huhne.

"Initial steps are already under way, including plans to double the number of annual environmental inspections by DECC to drilling rigs and the launch of a new industry group to look at the UK's ability to prevent and respond to oil spills."

Mr Huhne described the events unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico as "devastating", and said that it was his responsibility to make sure the oil and gas industry maintained the highest practices in this country.