What did Prime Minister Andy Burnham say about North Sea oil and gas drilling, and how does it align with Labour’s 2024 manifesto?

Burnham stated the UK will not 'ignore' its North Sea resources and affirmed a 'pragmatic' approach to new fossil fuel drilling, citing economic pressures on struggling households. He indicated to President Trump that the UK would pursue such development, referencing projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank — both of which already hold licenses granted under the previous Conservative government. Crucially, Burnham emphasized he will stand by Labour’s 2024 election manifesto pledge not to award *fresh* licenses for *new* oil and gas fields, arguing that approving Jackdaw and Rosebank does not breach that commitment since their licenses predate Labour’s election victory.

Why is the future of North Sea drilling politically sensitive under Burnham’s government, and who opposes it?

North Sea drilling has become a political flashpoint due to heightened energy security concerns following the start of the Iran War, prompting renewed focus on domestic energy sources. While Burnham and Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh advocate pragmatism — including exploring tie-back expansions and potentially approving Jackdaw — the policy faces strong opposition from environmentalists and some within the Labour Party’s left wing, who argue new drilling undermines the UK’s net zero commitments. Notably, former Energy Secretary Ed Miliband — now Foreign Secretary — had resisted new drilling licenses despite expressing openness to pragmatism, reflecting internal tensions between climate goals and energy realism.