Andy Burnham has said the United Kingdom cannot afford to ignore its North Sea oil resources, warning that the country must balance environmental ambitions with energy security. The Mayor of Greater Manchester made the comment during a conversation with President Donald Trump, according to reports, adding fresh weight to a growing push for a policy reversal on oil and gas licensing.
His remarks come as consultations on controversial oil and gas projects are due to end next month. The outcome of these discussions is expected to influence the government's approach to North Sea drilling, a subject that has divided opinion both within the Labour Party and across the wider political spectrum. Burnham, a prominent Labour figure, has previously voiced support for a just transition away from fossil fuels, but his latest comments indicate a pragmatic recognition of the country's current energy needs.
Pressure has been building on Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration to reconsider its position on new licences. While Labour has committed to making Britain a clean energy superpower, critics argue that a rapid halt to North Sea extraction could undermine energy independence and endanger jobs in Scotland and the north-east of England. The debate has intensified as global energy prices remain volatile and geopolitical tensions threaten supply chains.
Burnham's direct communication with Trump adds an international dimension to the domestic debate. The US president has long been a vocal advocate for maximising domestic fossil fuel production, and his conversation with the mayor appears to have reinforced arguments about the strategic importance of North Sea oil. The UK already relies heavily on oil and gas for heating, transport, and industry, and any abrupt reduction in domestic production would likely increase dependence on imports.
Environmental groups have reacted cautiously to Burnham's statement, warning against any backsliding on climate commitments. The UK has legally binding net-zero targets, and the advisory Climate Change Committee has recommended that no new oil and gas licences should be granted if the country is to meet its 2050 goal. However, industry representatives argue that continuing extraction is compatible with net zero provided emissions are managed through carbon capture and other technologies.
The consultations now under way are examining a range of options for the future of the North Sea basin. They cover licences already awarded, potential new exploration areas, and the decommissioning of existing infrastructure. The government is expected to publish its final policy later this year, and Burnham's intervention may signal a willingness within Labour to adopt a more nuanced position than some of its more vocal climate activists would like.
Observers note that the mayor's comments could also reflect the political sensitivities surrounding energy policy in the run-up to a general election. Labour has been careful not to alienate voters in Scotland and northern England, where oil and gas employment remains significant. With the SNP still a major force and the Conservatives accusing Labour of being weak on energy security, the North Sea issue is becoming a key battleground.
Whether Burnham's conversation with Trump will directly affect the government's final decision remains unclear, but it has certainly raised the profile of an already heated argument. The coming weeks are likely to see intensified lobbying from both environmental campaigners and the fossil fuel industry as the consultation deadline approaches.
