Burnham expected to back new North Sea oil and gas licences
Andy Burnham is expected to loosen Labour’s stance on North Sea drilling when he becomes prime minister, according to reports.
Andy Burnham is expected to set out plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea when he becomes prime minister, according to reports in the UK. The move would mark a change from Labour’s 2024 election pledge not to issue fresh licences.
The party’s manifesto said existing licences would be respected, but no new ones would be granted. That position has become a point of debate inside Labour since the election.
BBC Politics reported that Burnham will announce the plans, while the Guardian said he is likely to reverse the current restriction. The reports did not give a date for the announcement.
North Sea licensing has been a recurring issue in British energy policy as ministers weigh domestic production against climate commitments.
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