Is Burnham promising a new dawn for North Sea oil and gas?
Incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is expected to maintain the Labour Party's manifesto pledge to halt new North Sea oil and gas licenses. While he will honor existing contracts, his administration plans a pragmatic shift in emphasis to balance energy security with the transition to clean energy.
Why it matters
This policy direction signals how the new government intends to navigate the tension between immediate economic energy needs and long-term climate commitments.
Image source, PA Media By Kevin Keane Scotland energy correspondent Published 19 July 2026, 08:58 BST Updated 2 hours ago The final weekend before Andy Burnham enters Downing Street is being dominated by suggestions he'll announce plans for new drilling in the North Sea.
On Saturday, the BBC reported the in-coming prime minister would stick to the party's 2024 manifesto pledge to issue no new oil and gas licences but would honour existing ones.
That line has been confirmed as the hours count down to the Burnham premiership.
Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg , Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell said Burnham would stick to the party's manifesto commitments, but there would be a "change of emphasis" on North Sea oil and gas.
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