Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled a shift in his government’s approach to North Sea oil and gas, pledging a “pragmatic” policy that acknowledges the resource’s importance to the UK’s energy security. Speaking to reporters, Burnham said the government could not afford to ignore the potential of the North Sea “when people are struggling” with high energy costs. The comments mark a notable development in the Labour leader’s stance, coming just days after his first phone call with US President Donald Trump.
The prime minister’s remarks were prompted by a question about that conversation, during which Trump later claimed that Burnham had told him he would “open up” North Sea oil drilling. According to Trump, the assurance was given during their initial call after Burnham entered Number 10. However, the official UK summary of the conversation made no mention of any such commitment, and Burnham himself did not repeat the phrase when pressed. Instead, he framed his position as a pragmatic response to the current energy crisis.
Burnham’s emphasis on pragmatism appears to leave the door open for further exploration and extraction in the North Sea, despite Labour’s 2024 general election manifesto which explicitly pledged to end new oil and gas licences. The manifesto commitment was a cornerstone of the party’s environmental platform, aimed at accelerating the transition to renewable energy and meeting the UK’s net-zero targets. Yet since taking office, Burnham has faced mounting pressure to balance climate goals with immediate concerns over energy affordability and supply security, especially amid soaring household bills and geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.
The prime minister’s approach has drawn attention both domestically and internationally. Trump, who has long urged the UK to maximise its fossil fuel resources, appeared pleased with the outcome of the call, describing it to reporters as a positive step. Energy analysts noted that any significant expansion of North Sea drilling would contradict Labour’s earlier promises and could alienate environmental campaigners within the party. At the same time, it may be welcomed by trade unions and workers in the offshore industry who fear job losses from a rapid green transition.
Burnham’s comments come at a time when the North Sea oil and gas sector is under intense scrutiny. Existing fields are ageing, and output has been declining in recent years. The industry has argued that new licences are essential to maintain domestic production and reduce reliance on imports from countries with weaker environmental standards. Environmental groups, however, contend that further drilling is incompatible with the UK’s climate commitments and would undermine efforts to limit global warming. They point to the International Energy Agency’s advice that no new oil and gas fields should be approved if the world is to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
The prime minister stopped short of endorsing a major licensing round, instead insisting that any decisions would be taken on a case-by-case basis, guided by evidence and economic considerations. “We have to be realistic about where we are as a country,” Burnham said. “Energy security is a vital part of our national interest, and we cannot simply turn our backs on resources that are right here.” His comments echoed those of other senior Labour figures who have argued that the transition to renewables must be managed carefully to avoid harming households and businesses.
The political fallout from Burnham’s stance is likely to continue. Critics on the left, including some Labour MPs and environmental activists, have accused the prime minister of backtracking on a key pledge. They have called for a clear reaffirmation of the manifesto commitment and a timeline for phasing out fossil fuel extraction. Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized on the ambiguity, with the Conservatives questioning whether the government has a coherent energy strategy.
Industry insiders have welcomed the pragmatic language but warned that concrete policy changes will be needed to unlock investment. The North Sea has long been a cornerstone of the UK’s energy supply, but its future remains uncertain as the country navigates the twin challenges of affordability and decarbonisation. Burnham’s balancing act will be closely watched in the coming months as his government sets out its detailed energy plans, expected later this year.
