Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has been accused of evading public accountability after barring journalists from a meeting with oil and gas industry representatives in Aberdeen, the heart of the UK's offshore energy sector. The closed-door session, held on Thursday, was her first official visit to the city since taking office, and has sparked criticism from opposition figures and transparency advocates who argue that such secrecy undermines trust in government decision-making.
The meeting, organised with industry body Offshore Energies UK, was intended to discuss the future of the North Sea energy sector, including investment, jobs, and the transition to net-zero emissions. However, the decision to exclude the media has drawn sharp rebukes, with critics accusing the minister of 'hiding from scrutiny' at a time when energy policy is under intense public and political focus.
Conservative MPs and Scottish Tory representatives have led the charge, calling the move 'deeply concerning' and demanding that the Energy Secretary commit to greater openness in future engagements. They argue that the oil and gas sector, which supports tens of thousands of jobs in Scotland and across the UK, deserves transparent dialogue with policymakers, especially as the government navigates the delicate balance between energy security, economic growth, and climate commitments.
The controversy comes amid broader tensions over the government's energy strategy. The UK has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but the path forward remains contentious, with debates over the role of fossil fuels, renewable energy investment, and the pace of the green transition. Aberdeen, long known as the oil capital of Europe, is at the centre of these discussions, as the region seeks to diversify its economy while maintaining its status as a global energy hub.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, who was appointed Energy Secretary under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, has defended the meeting as a constructive and necessary dialogue with industry leaders. A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero stated that the session was 'productive' and that the minister remains committed to engaging with all stakeholders, including the media, in appropriate settings. However, the lack of press access has fuelled perceptions that the government is avoiding difficult questions about its energy policies.
The incident also highlights broader concerns about transparency within the Burnham administration. Earlier this year, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner faced scrutiny over her refusal to repay a £16,000 severance payment she received after resigning from government in 2025, only to return to cabinet as Housing Secretary. While Rayner defended the payment as legally entitled, the episode added to a narrative of opacity surrounding the government's internal dealings.
Industry observers note that the closed-door meeting in Aberdeen could have significant implications for investor confidence and public trust. The oil and gas sector is grappling with a challenging landscape, including volatile global prices, regulatory pressures, and the need to decarbonise operations. Transparent communication between government and industry is seen as essential to ensuring that the UK remains an attractive destination for energy investment while meeting its climate goals.
Environmental groups have also weighed in, with some expressing concern that the meeting may have prioritised industry interests over broader public and environmental considerations. Greenpeace UK called for the government to publish a full account of the discussions, arguing that the public has a right to know how decisions affecting the climate and energy bills are being shaped behind closed doors.
The Energy Secretary's office has not yet confirmed whether future meetings with the oil and gas sector will be open to the press. However, the backlash suggests that the issue of transparency will continue to be a flashpoint as the government develops its long-term energy strategy. With the UK facing rising energy costs, supply chain disruptions, and the urgent need to accelerate the clean energy transition, the demand for open and accountable policymaking is unlikely to diminish.
As the debate unfolds, the focus remains on how the Burnham government will balance the competing demands of industry, environmentalists, and the public. The Aberdeen meeting, though closed to cameras and reporters, has opened a wider conversation about the standards of transparency expected from those shaping the nation's energy future.
