The UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has denied reports that Ed Miliband has banned the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) from issuing any outstanding drilling and exploration licences.

The department called the reports “a complete fabrication.”

But Miliband’s department said: “This piece is a complete fabrication – it invents meetings and decisions that have not taken place.

“As previously stated, we will not issue new licences to explore new fields.

“We will also not revoke existing oil and gas licences and will manage existing fields for the entirety of their lifespan.

“We are working with the North Sea Transition Authority to ensure a fair and balanced transition in the North Sea.”

A spokesperson for NSTA said: “We will follow the policy direction of the government of the day.”

A spokeswoman for trade body Offshore Energies UK said: “Both the government and the NSTA have confirmed that this story is incorrect.”