The UK oil industry has applauded European ministers for backing a package of EU-wide offshore regulations.
The vote by the EU Council of Ministers means Brussels will not take control of offshore safety, and guidelines will be incorporated into UK law instead.
The European Commission had previously proposed continent-wide rules following the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010.
But a new directive was approved by ministers yesterday, meaning tough rules put in place after the Piper Alpha catastrophe 25 years ago will remain in place in UK waters.
Robert Paterson, health, safety and employment director at industry body Oil & Gas UK, said he felt the directive would complement the “world-leading health, safety and environmental standards already in place in the North Sea”.
“It is perhaps fitting that this final stage comes a week before we mark the 25th anniversary of Piper Alpha with a week of remembrance and reflection,” he said.
UK Energy Secretary Ed Davey said the directive meant oil and gas-producing countries across the EU would be held to high standards of safety with minimum cost and disruption.
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