Tynwald members have rejected a bid to invite applications for a hydrocarbons exploration and production in Manx seas.
Chris Thomas wanted to see a proposal for the previously licenced block 112/25 (Crogga) with recommendations for debate and decision at the July 2026 sitting of Tynwald.
Mr Thomas argued there was a strong case for reappraising the resource, citing a 2013 government-commissioned report by Cameron.
He read directly from the document, saying: “ The BP results are still hugely uncertain and based on limited seismic data with one control well, but they do show is that there is a proven petroleum system in Manx waters which is worth further investigation.”
He emphasised a cautious, evidence-based approach, telling members, “Appraisal is a stepwise de-risking exercise under the sea and more than two kilometres further underground. It’s complex and uncertain. It’s about understanding what we know and what we don’t know, and about mitigation of risks.”
Support
The motion found support from several members, including from Onchan MHK Julie Edge, who argued for transparency.
“The Manx public don’t know what the asset is, and what the value of that asset is,” she told members.
“I want to see a licence and I want to see a report, because then we will actually know whether we have got an asset of national interest out there.”
Kate Lord-Brennan warned against closing doors prematurely, saying: “In my opinion, we’d be mad to close the door on what is proposed until such times as we’ve got absolute clarity on energy security, which, you know, I’m afraid with best intentions we don’t have right now.”
Opposition
However, the motion faced strong opposition from the Council of Ministers and other members.
DEFA Minister Clare Barber reiterated Tynwald’s established policy, saying: “This court will be aware that not only is it a Tynwald approved policy not to pursue further hydrocarbon licensing.
“It is also Tynwald approve policy through our energy strategy to seek and prioritise offshore wind in our waters.”
DoI Minister Dr Michelle Haywood highlighted financial risk and climate goals, saying “government is not in a position to gamble with taxpayers’ money chasing the dream of prospectors based on very limited data”.
Paul Craine MLC pointed to recent extreme weather and international climate warnings while Rob Mercer MLC argued the context had only strengthened since Tynwald’s 2022 decision against new licences.
“Reversing course now would cut across our climate law, our evolving economic strategy, our island plan and the best available international evidence,” he said.
Motion
The motion was split into two parts, which saw the following votes:
a) to invite applications for a hydrocarbons exploration and production licence for previously licenced block 112/25 in its Territorial Seas; and
b) to lay a report with recommendations for debate and decision at the July
2026 sitting of Tynwald on:
i. the regulations, consenting requirements, North and Irish Sea standards of operatorship and stewardship, and other relevant policy and process documents, that would apply to hydrocarbon appraisal, flow testing and field development including co-location with offshore wind facilities;
ii. options to enhance seismic data and environmental studies to provide a full understanding of subsurface potential and risks, including the merits of national stewardship of the Island’s hydrocarbon resources.
