The number of inspections of North Sea drilling rigs is to double in the wake of the massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, it has been announced.

Energy Secretary Chris Huhne said an urgent review of the measures governing the oil and gas industry in UK waters to ensure safety and protect the environment had found that the regulatory regime was "fit for purpose".

But in the wake of the explosion at BP's Deepwater Horizon oil rig, which killed 11 workers and left millions of gallons of oil spewing into the ocean, steps were being taken to strengthen the regime further.

The number of annual environmental inspections on drilling rigs will be doubled and a new oil industry group is being asked to report on the UK's ability to prevent and respond to a potential spill.

Mr Huhne said the events unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico were "devastating", and that it was his responsibility to make sure the oil and gas industry maintained the highest practices in this country.

"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," he said.

Mr Huhne said the commencing of exploration in deeper waters west of Shetland, means there is “every reason” to increase vigilance.

He added: "Initial steps are already under way, including plans to double the number of annual environmental inspections by Decc to drilling rigs and the launch of a new industry group to look at the UK's ability to prevent and respond to oil spills.

BACKGROUND

• North Sea oil safety meeting held over Mexico disaster
• North Sea warning over Mexican oil spill

"In addition, I will review our new and existing procedures as soon as the detailed analysis of the factors which caused the incident in the Gulf of Mexico are available."

Oil & Gas UK welcomed Tuesday’s announcement by the Department of Energy and Climate Change (Decc).

Malcolm Webb, Oil & Gas UK’s chief executive, said: “Oil & Gas UK welcomes the additional resources being made available to the industry’s regulator, DECC, to carry out offshore inspections. Indeed, the industry actively seeks sound and appropriate regulation, delivered by strong and professional regulators. 

 “In light of the Gulf of Mexico incident, the industry in the UK has already embarked on a thorough review of its existing practices and procedures and is working alongside the regulators and trade union representatives through the newly created Oil Spill Prevention and Response Advisory Group (OSPRAG) to ensure that its arrangements for pollution prevention and response, and the financial provisions for that response, are and continue to be fit for purpose.

 “The Secretary of State and his team will of course be kept fully informed of the group’s progress.”