Burnham to announce plans for new North Sea oil and gas drilling

Andy Burnham is poised to announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea as he prepares to take over as prime minister. This potential policy shift appears to diverge from the Labour Party's 2024 manifesto, which pledged to cease issuing new licenses while honoring existing ones. The announcement is expected to be part of a broader policy agenda that includes bringing water and energy companies under public control and initiating a new council house-building program.

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climate vandalism

The debate over North Sea oil fields, specifically Rosebank and Jackdaw, has intensified. These fields were approved under the previous Conservative government but faced a legal challenge that overturned their approval in 2025. The internal Labour party discourse highlights a growing divide over the future direction of energy policy. Some Labour MPs advocate for a more flexible approach, emphasizing the need to protect jobs and manage energy costs during the transition away from fossil fuels.

Conversely, other party members support the current strategy, arguing that expanding renewable energy is crucial for enhancing energy security and mitigating climate change impacts. Current Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, a strong proponent of the manifesto's stance, has previously labeled the Rosebank license as "climate vandalism." The oil and gas industry, along with trade unions, has urged Burnham and other Labour MPs to support the North Sea oil and gas sector, framing it as a commitment to the country's industrial base and its workforce.

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back North Sea oil and gas

Burnham solidified his position as the sole leadership candidate after receiving backing from a significant majority of Labour MPs and all affiliated trade unions. He is currently finalizing his cabinet appointments before officially succeeding Sir Keir Starmer. The specifics of the new oil and gas plans remain unclear, but the announcement is expected to address the growing divisiveness within the party regarding energy policy.

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a signal that the country remains committed to producing, building and manufacturing. It is a signal that government backs the people and places that have powered this country for generations