28 quotes from next UK leader Andy Burnham on climate, net-zero and fossil fuels
Incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has historically supported aggressive climate action and the fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty, despite recent ambiguity during his leadership campaign. Analysis of his past statements suggests a strong commitment to net-zero goals.
Why it matters
Understanding the incoming leader's past environmental stances provides insight into the potential direction of UK energy policy and the future of North Sea oil and gas drilling.
The UK’s incoming prime minister Andy Burnham has remained tight-lipped on his views on climate change during his leadership campaign.
When asked his views on reversing Labour’s manifesto pledge to stop new North Sea drilling in June – a move that the oil-and-gas industry and right-wing media have pushed for in recent months – he said he had “something of an open mind” on the issue.
But a trawl of Burnham’s past comments about climate change, net-zero and fossil fuels reveals a different picture.
Just a year ago in June 2025, Burnham, while mayor of Greater Manchester, gave his support to the fossil fuel treaty – a proposed international pact on phasing out coal, oil and gas – calling it a “lifeline” that “all governments” should join.
In a video message endorsing the treaty, he also said that “there should be no turning away from net-zero”.
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