Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signaled a potential shift in the United Kingdom's approach to fossil fuels, indicating that the country "can't ignore" North Sea oil and gas resources. Burnham revealed that during his first conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump last week, he conveyed his intention to take a "pragmatic approach" to the issue.
This suggests a possible divergence from the Net Zero stance previously championed by Labour, particularly under Ed Miliband, who is widely regarded as the architect of the party's 2024 manifesto commitment to not issue new licenses for North Sea drilling.
Burnham's comments came after Trump stated that the Prime Minister had told him he intended to "open up North Sea oil." Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Burnham confirmed, "I indicated in the phone call that we had a week last Monday that I would take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea. And that is my intention as we go forward from here. There is a resource there. When people are struggling, we can't ignore that. Hence, me indicating that to the President."
Trump, speaking from the White House, had earlier expressed his view that the UK's North Sea oil and gas reserves represent a valuable asset. "You have one of the most valuable oil finds anywhere in the world, and if the UK would use it, they'd be a wealthy country again," Trump said, contrasting it with his interactions with former Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The current government faces pressure from the energy sector to approve key projects, including the Jackdaw gas field and the Rosebank oil field. Consultations for these projects are currently underway, with deadlines in August. Burnham could potentially approve these developments, which were initiated under previous governments, without issuing entirely new licenses, thereby potentially aligning with Labour's existing manifesto pledge.