Politics
Andy Burnham faces pressure on North Sea oil drilling ahead of assuming office
July 15, 2026 at 05:24 AM
Incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham must decide on approving two major oil fields as industry and environmental groups lobby his government.
- Oil and gas industry and trade unions sent a letter to Labour MPs calling on them to "back North Sea oil and gas" ahead of nominations deadline on Tuesday.
- Labour's 2024 manifesto stated it will not issue licences to explore new fields, though Rosebank and Jackdaw fields had pre-existing approvals before Labour took power.
- Scottish First Minister John Swinney has softened his stance on new drilling, saying energy security should be considered in decisions on further exploration.
- SNP MSP Jack Middleton called for both Rosebank and Jackdaw to go ahead, saying the UK should decrease reliance on Middle Eastern countries and Russia.