Parliament rejects calls for offshore oil drilling ban

Vicky Ford MEP (ECR; UK), the European Parliament's rapporteur on the resolution, said there was no need for "a pan-European super-regulator," claiming that stronger cooperation between national authorities would be enough.

"Every platform and rig has specific circumstances, so regulators and operators must work together to develop a safety plan specific to that site," Ford said after the vote. "We need contingency plans and for all the equipment to be logged so that it can be deployed in the first few hours or days in order to prevent an ecological catastrophe."

Meanwhile, a moratorium on oil drilling "could cause serious damage to our economic growth," she argued. "If a spill were to occur operators should be financially liable for the costs and damage. If negligence occurs then those responsible should be made accountable."

Greens MEPs were disappointed by the vote, saying the European Parliament had failed to address the "potentially disastrous consequences of an oil spill" by imposing a drilling ban in environmentally-sensitive areas like the Arctic. They also called for the oil industry to invest more in measures to prevent accidents. "Regrettably, the majority of MEPs failed to support these proposals," said Green MEP Michèle Rivasi.

The Greens welcomed "some positive elements," however, such as calls to strengthen the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) and its power to control offshore platforms.

"We also welcome the proposals to clarify the full liability of the responsible firms in case of accidents, the need for mandatory insurance and to develop emergency plans. This would clearly be a breakthrough at EU level. However, overall the report falls short of responding to the cross-border risks posed by offshore exploration."

Ian Hudghton, an MEP from the Scottish National Pary (SNP), an affiliate member of the Greens/European Free Alliance group in the European Parliament, welcomed the Parliament's rejection of an oil drilling ban.

"Calls for a ban on deep-sea oil exploration were wholly disproportionate. Scotland's oil industry has already been hit hard by Westminster using it as a cash cow – unnecessary interference from the EU would only have compounded matters," he argued.

"As we move towards further powers for the Scottish parliament and the referendum on independence it is clear that offshore safety must be a priority for Scotland's politicians.  An independent Scotland must nurture a vibrant offshore sector, which safeguards both our valuable coastal waters and the livelihoods of thousands of oil workers," he said.