Chris Huhne, the UK's secretary of state for energy, has outlined plans to increase the number of inspections carried out on structures in the North Sea.

Following the Deepwater Horizon incident in the Gulf of Mexico, Mr Huhne said that steps need to be taken to ensure that the highest practices are adhered to in UK waters.

Strict safety and training standards are already in operation in the North Sea, but regulation could increase further as part of the efforts to prevent a similar incident to Deepwater Horizon happening in UK waters.

"It's clear that our safety and environmental regulatory regime is fit for purpose. It is already among the most robust in the world and the industry's record in the North Sea is strong," Mr Huhne said, adding that recent events give "every reason" to increase vigilance.

Such plans will see the number of environmental inspections carried out by the Department for Energy and Climate Change double, he said, adding that a new industry group is also due to be created.

Earlier this month, research from Subsea IQ suggested that for exploration work to continue apace on the UK Continental Shelf, new tax incentives should be introduced.

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