Jan Thompson, British Ambassador to Norway, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

When talking about the UK-Norway relationship I often say: “The North Sea separates us, but it also connects us”. Our shared geography has allowed trade between our nations for centuries, and our relationship has grown into a modern, forward-looking partnership based on common values. Today, we are harnessing the North Sea and together paving the way for a greener future in offshore wind, hydrogen and CCUS.

In today’s fast-moving global economy, clarity and confidence are more important than ever. That’s why the UK has launched its Modern Industrial Strategy – a bold, long-term plan to reshape our economy around the industries of the future. It’s a strategy built with business, for business, and it sends a clear message: the UK is open, ambitious, and ready to lead.

Norway is already the UK’s 12th largest trading partner and closest energy partner, but with the recent implementation of our Modern Industrial Strategy there is scope to do so much more. As British Ambassador to Norway, I see this as a golden opportunity to deepen the UK-Norway partnership.

From the shore of Northeast England, you can see offshore wind in action. Photo: British Embassy Oslo

A strategy that matches Norway’s strengths

The UK is already one of the world’s most attractive destinations for investment. We offer:

• The G7’s lowest corporation tax
• Generous R&D tax credits
• 100% capital allowance expensing
• A stable, transparent regulatory environment
• A new £100 billion investment pipeline

But this strategy goes further. It backs eight high-growth sectors with bespoke 10-year plans: Clean Energy, Defence, Advanced Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Digital Technologies, Creative Industries, Financial Services, and Professional & Business Services. In many of these sectors, UK and Norwegian strengths align perfectly. From offshore wind and hydrogen to AI and biotech, we’re creating the conditions for joint innovation and shared success.

"The North Sea separates us, but it also connects us"

Earlier this month, I toured Northeast England and saw first-hand how British and Norwegian companies are working side by side to deliver clean energy and accelerate the green transition. This commitment supports thousands of jobs on both sides of the North Sea and has established us as leading nations in this important field.

Some examples include:

• Equinor and Vårgrønn , together with British SSE Renewables , own Dogger Bank - the largest offshore wind farm in the world - which is set to power millions of homes over the next few years.
• The GreenVolt project, spearheaded by Norwegian Vårgrønn and British Flotation Energy, will be the first commercial-scale floating offshore windfarm in Europe and will achieve £2.5bn Gross Value Added.
• Statkraft has invested over £1.4bn in the UK's renewable energy infrastructure and is a leading provider of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), having facilitated over 4.5 GW of new-build renewable energy generation through PPAs.

A natural partnership

Norway is a global leader in energy, maritime innovation, and sustainability. The UK is a global hub for finance, science, and technology. Together, we can lead Europe’s green and digital transitions, developing solutions that are not only commercially viable but globally scalable.

We’re also making it easier for Norwegian companies and talent to engage with the UK:

• Less red tape and faster planning approvals
• Streamlined visa pathways for top talent
• Reduced regulatory burdens
• New sovereign AI and innovation programmes

Let’s build the future - together

This isn’t just a policy document – it’s a blueprint for transformation. It’s an invitation to Norwegian innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs to join us in building a cleaner, smarter, more resilient global economy.

The UK is not just preparing for the future, but we’re inviting countries like Norway to help shape it. And we can’t wait to get started.

Prime Ministers Starmer and Støre signed the UK-Norway Strategic Partnership in December 2024 at the Northern Lights CCUS facility outside Bergen, laying the groundwork for the Green Industrial Partnership. Photo: No 10