Prime Minister Andy Burnham informed former U.S. President Donald Trump that the United Kingdom would adopt a pragmatic approach to North Sea oil resources, according to statements from both leaders.
Trump claimed in a social media post that Burnham had indicated he would fully open up North Sea oil extraction, stating that this would make the UK a wealthy nation. Trump noted that the UK imports energy from Norway, which he said has trillions of dollars in reserve due to its North Sea resources. He asserted that Scotland possesses a significant portion of the North Sea.
When asked about his conversation with Trump, Burnham confirmed that he indicated a pragmatic approach to the North Sea during their call. "That is my intention as we go forward from here," Burnham said.
The discussion around North Sea oil comes as debates continue over energy policy and climate concerns. The Conservative and Reform parties have advocated for increased North Sea drilling, arguing it would lower energy prices. Last year, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch called it "absurd" to leave "vital resources untapped."
Some members of the Labour Party have expressed reservations. Rachael Maskell urged the government to "follow the climate science because we have got a climate emergency."
Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticized any potential expansion of oil and gas drilling, stating, "Our country is burning. Crops are failing. Thousands have been killed by extreme heat." He warned that "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."
Environmental groups and some economists have also raised concerns about the economic benefits for British consumers. Simon Francis of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition stated that households struggling with energy bills would not see reductions, as gas is sold on the global market to the highest bidder, not at a discount to domestic consumers.
The debate over North Sea drilling has recently focused on the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil fields in Scotland. Regulators approved drilling at these sites in 2022 and 2023, but these decisions were overturned in 2025 following legal challenges. A decision on whether to permit production in these areas is pending.
Previously, the UK government has allowed "tie-backs," which involve production in unlicensed areas connected to existing licensed areas. Other oil and gas licenses have been approved in recent years but remain largely undeveloped. Burnham could also potentially influence drilling by altering or removing the Energy Profits Levy, also known as the windfall tax on energy companies.