UK inspections intensify to prevent oil and gas leaks

Inspections of rigs operating in British waters are to intensify to ensure that no oil or gas leaks similar to that in the Gulf of Mexico are able to occur off the coast of the UK.

Energy secretary Chris Huhne stresses that the UK regime is already deemed to be appropriate for safeguarding oil and gas workers, citizens and the environment.

However, action is still being taken to tighten controls further and reduce the risk of oil or gas leaks to a minimum for the future.

"The events unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico are devastating and will be enduring," says Mr Huhne.

"What we are seeing will transform the regulation of deep water drilling worldwide."

He adds that there are already positive aspects of the UK regulatory environment - such as the separate rules governing personal safety and rig operations.

The Health and Safety Executive is also liaising with its international counterparts to determine what precipitated the disaster in the Gulf of Mexico and what risks British workers might also face.