On 23 June 2016, the UK electorate voted in a referendum to leave the European Union (EU). This outcome is expected to have far-reaching consequences for UK industry, including the oil & gas sector. These include: short- to medium-term uncertainty; potential changes to legislation affecting the downstream industry; restrictions on the free movement of goods and people; effects on the gas market; and renewed impetus for Scottish independence. It is impossible at this early stage to reach any definitive conclusions regarding the consequences of Brexit to the UK oil & gas industry, but this article will discuss certain issues that are likely to be of interest and relevant.

Originally published in Chambers Global Practices Guide: Legal Brexit: Energy: Oil and Gas (2017).