Andy Burnham, who became UK Prime Minister on July 20, 2026, said he would take a pragmatic approach to North Sea oil and gas amid economic challenges facing the country [1, 2, 3]. During a phone call with US President Donald Trump shortly after assuming office, Burnham indicated his intention to balance energy resources with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis [1, 2, 3].
Burnham said, "I indicated in the phone call that I would take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea. There is a resource there. When people are struggling, you can't ignore that" [1, 3]. Trump later claimed Burnham pledged to "open up the North Sea," stating, "People in Aberdeen are dancing in the streets because Burnham will be opening up North Sea oil" [2, 3]. Burnham, however, denied announcing a firm policy change, emphasizing pragmatism rather than a formal shift [1, 3].
Labour's 2024 manifesto, under the former leader Keir Starmer, committed not to issue new oil and gas licenses but allowed development under existing licenses [1, 2, 3]. Two major North Sea fields, Rosebank and Jackdaw, hold licenses granted by the previous government but remain stalled amid legal challenges and await fresh consent [1, 2, 3].
Burnham has pledged to uphold Labour’s 2024 manifesto overall but also signaled flexibility in oil and gas licensing to help alleviate economic pressures and support reindustrialisation efforts [1, 2, 3]. This pragmatic shift has drawn criticism from environmental groups and some Labour MPs who oppose expanding fossil fuel projects over climate commitments [2, 3].
The UK government is currently holding public consultations on the environmental impacts of the Rosebank and Jackdaw developments, with the consultation period expected to conclude by mid-August 2026 [2].
