Burnham says he told Trump UK will be pragmatic about North Sea oil

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has indicated a pragmatic approach to North Sea oil and gas, pushing back against former U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that the UK would fully open up the fields. Trump had claimed Burnham pledged to "open up the North Sea" in their first phone call, suggesting it would lead to wealth for the UK.

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I indicated in the phone call that we had a week last Monday that I would take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea, and that is my intention as we go forward from here.

Burnham, however, clarified his stance, stating, "I indicated in the phone call that we had a week last Monday that I would take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea, and that is my intention as we go forward from here." He acknowledged the existence of resources and the need to consider public struggles, which informed his indication to the president.

The new prime minister faces pressure from trade unions, industry figures, and some Labour MPs to increase drilling. The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto promised not to issue new licenses but to honor existing ones. This position contrasts with the views of Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who previously called the license for the Rosebank oil field "climate vandalism."

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He said he's going to open up North Sea oil. If he does that, you're going to be a wealthy country.

Environmental advocates, like Green Party leader Zack Polanski, strongly oppose new drilling. "Our country is burning. Crops are failing. Thousands have been killed by extreme heat," Polanski stated, urging Burnham to commit to leaving fossil fuels in the ground to prevent further climate breakdown and economic damage.

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Our country is burning. Crops are failing. Thousands have been killed by extreme heat. Allowing new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea will worsen the climate breakdown putting more lives at risk and doing untold damage to our economy.

Conversely, the Conservatives and Reform parties advocate for more drilling, arguing it would reduce energy prices. Last year, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it "absurd" to leave "vital resources untapped." Some Labour MPs, such as Rachael Maskell, have also voiced unease, urging the government to adhere to climate science amid the ongoing climate emergency.

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It's not too late for Burnham to do the right thing and commit to leaving dangerous fossil fuels in the ground.