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Andy Burnham is set to reveal new proposals for expanding oil and gas drilling in the North Sea as he assumes the role of prime minister on Monday, according to information obtained by the BBC. This marks a shift from the Labour Party’s 2024 manifesto, which Burnham has committed to generally following. The manifesto promised not to issue new drilling licenses but to respect existing ones.
Central to the ongoing controversy are two significant offshore projects, the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields located off the coast of Scotland. These developments had previously received approval from regulators in 2022 and 2023 under the Conservative government but were later overturned in 2025 following a legal challenge. Burnham’s announcement about new drilling plans will coincide with other policy measures, including proposals for public ownership of water and energy companies, as well as a substantial program to build new council homes.
Burnham is also expected to introduce initiatives aimed at easing the cost-of-living pressures facing many citizens. He has expressed the intention to make a swift and proactive start, focusing on “delivering tangible change to people’s lives as soon as possible.” The details surrounding the new oil and gas policies remain vague, though the North Sea drilling debate has been a persistent source of division. Sir Keir Starmer, the outgoing Labour leader, faced criticism for his stance against new drilling licenses, arguing they do not result in lower energy bills and emphasizing the importance of transitioning to renewable energy for long-term security.
The Conservative Party and Reform UK pushed the former prime minister to authorize additional drilling, labelling the reluctance to tap into the UK’s own resources as “reckless,” especially given rising energy prices influenced by the conflict involving Iran. Internationally, former US President Donald Trump also criticized Starmer’s energy policies, accusing him via social media of failing “badly” in managing the country’s energy strategy. Within Labour, the issue stirred debate among MPs, with some calling for a more moderate approach that considers job security and affordability of energy bills, while others argued for upholding commitments to renewable energy to enhance energy security and combat climate change. Ed Miliband, the current Energy Secretary and a likely key figure in Burnham’s future cabinet, has been a vocal defender of the party’s existing policy and previously condemned the Rosebank license as “climate vandalism.”
In advance of the leadership transition, Burnham received a letter from representatives of the oil and gas sector and trade unions urging him and his fellow Labour MPs to endorse North Sea oil and gas. The letter framed such support as a declaration that the country remains dedicated to industrial production and manufacturing, while also standing behind the communities historically tied to these industries. Having won the backing of 379 Labour MPs and all 11 affiliated trade unions, Burnham emerged as the sole candidate in the leadership race. Since re-entering Parliament via a by-election last month, he has been preparing to form his cabinet, with speculation mounting around the potential chancellor replacements for Rachel Reeves, including Ed Miliband and Shabana Mahmood.
When questioned about the delay in announcing his top team, Burnham stated on Friday: “It would be somewhat premature and would, I think, cause complete chaos if you start half a reshuffle before you’re in the position.” Earlier that same day, he delivered his first speech as the designated leader, promising “a plan” and pledging to “bring back hope.” He also offered a glimpse into his policy agenda, which includes constructing new council homes, revitalizing town centers, improving education, increasing public control of utilities, reforming social care, and devolving power away from central government. As the former mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham’s vision reflects a commitment to these broad reforms alongside his immediate energy and housing priorities
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