Mark has asked Ministers at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in the House of Commons what the Government's strategy is on increasing its oil and gas reserves and storage capacity.

Greg Hands, Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, responded as follows:

The UK benefits from having access to highly diverse sources of gas supply to ensure households, businesses and heavy industry get the energy they need. Gas storage is not a component of overall winter supply. GB gas storage stock levels are currently comparable to previous years ahead of the winter months and storage is expected to continue its role as a source of system flexibility. BEIS is continuing to explore the future of the gas storage landscape through the UK Hydrogen Strategy, which considers the role of hydrogen storage in greater detail and whether further regulation or support mechanisms are needed to maximise its potential.