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Based on recent analysis, cabinet members met with delegates from the fossil fuel industry in excess of 500 times in their initial year in government – equivalent to twice every weekday.

Notable Rise Compared to Prior Leadership

The research showed that oil industry representatives were present at 48% more government meetings in the present administration's opening year versus the previous year.

Official Response

Ministers supported the engagements, asserting that officials engaged with a diverse array of representatives from "energy sector, worker groups and public organizations to advance our sustainable energy major project".

Growing Concerns About Corporate Lobbying

Yet, the findings have caused alarm among observers about the degree of the petroleum industry's leverage over government at a period when officials are working to lower bills and move to a greener energy system.

Key Findings

The research, which is based on the official released data of government discussions, also found:

• Officials at the Energy and Climate Department met with fossil fuel lobbyists 274 times, with sector representatives attending approximately one-fourth of discussions.

• The secretary for energy and climate change held discussions with petroleum sector advocates 250 times – with a third of every engagement featuring corporate delegates.

• In the equivalent duration ministry officials engaged with worker group agents 61 times.

• Several major fossil fuel companies held discussions with representatives 100 times combined.

• Fossil fuel lobbyists were present at the majority of official session about the energy profits levy, a interim charge on the "exceptional earnings" of marine petroleum firms.

Party Statements

An environmental politician remarked: "Instead of listening to researchers, populations affected by climate events, or guardians anxious to guarantee a safe future for their future generations, this government is favoring industry advocates and revenues for large energy corporations."

Official Denial

Ministers insisted the discoveries were "deceptive", saying numerous of the firms listed also had sustainable power initiatives and that these were typically the main topic of the meetings.

"Our priority is a just, organized and thriving shift in the offshore region in accordance with our ecological and legal commitments, and we are collaborating with the industry to protect existing and upcoming populations of good jobs."

Global Background

Multiple leading fossil fuel corporations have been censured for cutting their green investments in recent years amid a worldwide opposition against environmental measures.

An activist coordinator from an climate legal group stated: "Ministers vowed a government of service, but that doesn't mean yielding to companies making money out of climate catastrophe. It's necessary to discontinue preferential treatment of polluters and put people first."