To drill or not to drill? Andy Burnham faces North Sea oil dilemma
Incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces pressure from industry groups and political colleagues regarding the future of North Sea oil and gas drilling. The decision on whether to approve new fields like Rosebank and Jackdaw will test his administration's environmental commitments.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the tension between economic energy security and climate change policy in the UK.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google David Wallace Lockhart Scotland political correspondent Getty Images Questions are arising over Andy Burnham's stance on oil and gas To drill or not to drill? That's one question that will await Andy Burnham when he enters 10 Downing Street.
The MP for Makerfield is expected to be confirmed as the UK's next prime minister in the coming days after securing the support of nearly 350 Labour MPs.
On Tuesday, with 24 hours until the leadership nominations deadline, Burnham was issued with a letter from the oil and gas industry and trade unions calling on him - and all other Labour MPs - to "back North Sea oil and gas".
The UK government will shortly have to decide whether to give the green light to two oil fields – Rosebank and Jackdaw.
Labour's 2024 manifesto is fairly strong in this area.
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