Burnham announces new North Sea oil and gas drilling plan

The BBC has been told that when Andy Burnham becomes Prime Minister, he plans to launch new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.

The Labor Party

At the heart of the dispute are two oil fields in Scotland – Rosebank and Jackdaw – which regulators approved in 2022 and 2023 under the then Conservative government, but were overturned in 2025 after a legal challenge.

The announcement will be part of a series of policy measures from Burnham, including plans to bring water and energy companies under public control and a new council house building programme.

While the details of the new oil and gas plans remain unclear, the North Sea deal has become increasingly divisive as Labor figures debate the party’s future direction on energy policy.

Some Labor MPs have urged the government to take a more liberal approach, warning that the transition from oil and gas should protect jobs and lower energy bills.

Others supported the government’s current approach, saying that expanding renewable energy is key to improving energy security and reducing the impact of climate change.

Current energy secretary Ed Miliband – who is likely to have a senior cabinet role under Burnham – was a strong supporter of Labour’s manifesto position and previously described the approval of Rosebank as “climate destruction”.

Earlier this week, before the deadline for leadership nominations, Burnham was given a letter from the oil and gas industry and unions – and all other Labor MPs – to “bring back North Sea oil and gas”.

He said the support for the oil and gas industry is a sign that the country is committed to producing, building and producing.

“This is an indication that the government supports the people and places that have contributed to this country for generations,” the letter added.

Burnham, who was returned to parliament in a by-election a month ago, secured the sole leadership nomination after securing the support of 379 Labor MPs as well as 11 unions affiliated with the party.

The new Labor leader says he is wrapping up his senior cabinet duties ahead of taking over from Sir Keir Starmer on Monday.