Incoming United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. He will make the announcement when he takes office on Monday.
According to BBC, the announcement will form part of several policy measures Burnham intends to introduce as he begins his tenure. These include greater public control of water and energy companies. Additionally, there will be a new council house-building programme.
The move could mark a shift from Labour’s 2024 manifesto. That manifesto promised not to issue new oil and gas licences while allowing projects that had already received approval to continue.
However, details of Burnham’s drilling proposal remain unclear.
The debate has largely focused on the Rosebank oil field and Jackdaw gas field in Scotland. Regulators approved the projects under the former Conservative government in 2022 and 2023. However, a court overturned the approvals in 2025 following a legal challenge.
Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer had opposed issuing new drilling licences. He argued that additional North Sea production would not necessarily reduce household energy bills.
Instead, his administration supported a transition towards renewable energy sources. This was seen as a more reliable long-term approach to strengthening the country’s energy security.
However, the Conservatives and Reform UK repeatedly criticised the policy. They argued that Britain should make greater use of its domestic oil and gas resources. Particularly, this was important as the war involving Iran has contributed to rising global energy prices.
United States President Donald Trump also criticised Starmer’s energy policy. He repeatedly called on the United Kingdom to expand North Sea drilling.
The issue also divided Labour politicians. Some MPs warned that the transition away from oil and gas must protect jobs, communities and household finances.
Others supported the party’s existing position. They maintained that renewable energy remained essential for improving energy security and reducing the effects of climate change.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who could receive another senior position in Burnham’s government, has strongly defended Labour’s manifesto commitment. He previously described the Rosebank licence as “climate vandalism.”
Earlier this week, representatives of the oil and gas industry and trade unions wrote to Burnham and other Labour MPs. They urged them to support North Sea production.
The letter argued that backing the industry would show that the government remained committed to domestic production and manufacturing. Moreover, it would benefit communities that had supported the country’s energy sector for generations.
Burnham emerged as Labour’s sole leadership candidate after receiving the support of 379 Labour MPs. He also gained support from all 11 trade unions affiliated with the party.
He returned to Parliament through a by-election about a month ago after serving as mayor of Greater Manchester.
Burnham said he was finalising his cabinet before formally replacing Starmer on Monday.
He is also expected to announce measures aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis and building council homes. Furthermore, he plans to improve education, revitalise high streets and transfer more authority away from Westminster.
Burnham has promised to make a “dynamic start” focused on delivering visible improvements
