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UK PM says he will take a pragmatic approach to North Sea oil
Burnham said he told President Donald Trump the UK cannot ignore North Sea resources while households are struggling, amid UK political pressure over whether to expand drilling.
BBC Business reports that UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he told President Donald Trump he would take a pragmatic approach to North Sea oil and gas. Burnham said the resources cannot be ignored when people are struggling, responding to Trump’s suggestion that he pledged to “open up the North Sea” in their first phone call.
The BBC also notes Burnham is facing pressure from trade unions, industry figures, and some Labour MPs regarding whether the UK should increase drilling. In its 2024 election manifesto, Labour promised not to issue new licenses for drilling but said it would honor existing ones, and Ed Miliband previously criticized the Rosebank license, calling it “climate vandalism.”
The report says the UK government has not announced new decisions on North Sea drilling. Trump has praised what he views as a shift by the UK, while the Conservatives and Reform have urged additional drilling as a way to reduce energy prices.
BBC Business adds that Green Party leader Zack Polanski warned that allowing new North Sea drilling would worsen climate impacts and harm the economy. The report also cites Labour MPs raising concerns and statements from Simon Francis of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition arguing that drilling would not lower energy bills for struggling households.