Stories

Thu, 30 Jul 2026

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 Burnham says he told Trump UK will be pragmatic about North Sea oil

Andy Burnham says he told the US president he couldn't ignore North Sea resources when people are struggling.
Labour leader Andy Burnham has responded to claims by US President Donald Trump that he will "open up" North Sea oil and gas drilling in the UK. However, it appears that Burnham did not make any concrete commitments to increase drilling during their phone call. Instead, he said he would take a "pragmatic approach" to the issue. The controversy stems from Labour's 2024 general election manifesto, which promised not to issue new licences for North Sea oil and gas drilling but would honour existing ones. However, some have interpreted Burnham's comments as a potential shift in policy. Trump has praised what he sees as a change of stance by the UK government on the issue of North Sea oil and gas. He wrote on social media that Burnham had told him they would "open up" the North Sea, which could lead to increased drilling and energy production. However, some Labour MPs have expressed unease about more drilling in the North Sea, citing concerns over climate change. The Green Party leader has also criticized any plans to allow new oil and gas drilling, saying it will worsen the climate breakdown and put lives at risk. The government's stance on North Sea oil and gas remains unclear, but Burnham's comments have sparked a renewed debate on the issue. Some industry figures and trade unions are urging the government to approve more drilling in the North Sea, while others are warning of the risks associated with increased energy production.