With US president Barack Obama coming under increased pressure following the devastating Gulf of Mexico leak Mr Hendry’s actions are looking to prevent a similar situation happening in the UK.

Currently DECC, which is responsible for licensing, exploration and regulation of oil and gas works, carry out eight inspections a year – with others carried out separately by the Health and Safety Executive.

Under the plans this will double to 16 and will see new inspectors working from DECC’s Aberdeen office.

In the immediate aftermath of the Gulf of Mexico leak the new government has ordered an immediate review and found the system to be ‘fit for purpose.’

Mr Hendry said: “It’s clear our safety and environmental regulatory regime is fit for purpose.

“It is already among the most robust in the world and the industry’s record in the North Sea is strong.

“I will review our new and existing procedures as soon as the detailed analysis of the factors which caused the incident in the Gulf of Mexico are available.”

The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) minister is due to announce the change at the Chatham House event ‘Sustainable Energy Security: Strategic Risks and Opportunities for Business’.

Luke Walsh

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