Andy Burnham is expected to announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea upon becoming prime minister on Monday, the BBC has learned. This potential policy shift diverges from the Labour Party's 2024 manifesto, which pledged not to issue new drilling licenses while respecting existing ones.
The controversy centers on two oil fields in Scotland, Rosebank and Jackdaw. Regulators initially approved these fields in 2022 and 2023 under the previous Conservative government, but a legal challenge overturned these decisions in 2025. Burnham's announcement is anticipated as part of a series of policy initiatives, which may also include bringing water and energy companies under public control and launching a new council house-building program.
Specific details regarding the new oil and gas plans remain unclear. However, the debate surrounding North Sea drilling has intensified within the Labour Party, reflecting internal divisions over the future direction of energy policy. Some Labour Members of Parliament have advocated for a more flexible approach, emphasizing the need to protect jobs and manage energy costs during the transition away from fossil fuels. Others maintain support for the current policy, arguing that expanding renewable energy sources is crucial for enhancing energy security and mitigating climate change impacts.
Current Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who is expected to hold a senior cabinet position under Burnham, has been a firm proponent of the Labour manifesto's stance. Miliband previously characterized the license issued for the Rosebank field as "climate vandalism."
Earlier this week, prior to the deadline for leadership nominations, the oil and gas industry and affiliated trade unions sent a letter to Burnham and other Labour MPs, urging them to "back North Sea oil and gas." The letter stated that supporting the industry signals a continued commitment to domestic production and manufacturing, and that the government backs the people and regions that have historically powered the country.
Burnham, who returned to Parliament recently via a by-election, emerged as the sole leadership candidate after securing backing from 379 Labour MPs and all 11 trade unions affiliated with the party. He has indicated that he is finalizing his top cabinet appointments before assuming leadership from Sir Keir Starmer on Monday.