UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled a more “pragmatic approach” towards North Sea oil and gas, saying Britain “can’t ignore” the region’s energy resources while people are struggling with high costs. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump claimed Burnham had told him the UK would “open up North Sea oil” during their first phone call.Britain’s new prime minister acknowledged discussing the issue with Trump but stopped short of announcing any policy shift, BBC reported. Burnham said he had indicated he would take a “pragmatic approach” to North Sea oil and gas, while stressing that no formal government announcement had been made on the matter.
Trump claims Burnham pledged to ‘open up’ North Sea
Trump, who has repeatedly urged Britain to expand domestic oil and gas production, praised what he described as Burnham’s stance even before the latter formally took office.In a social media post, Trump claimed people in Aberdeen were “dancing in the streets” because Burnham would be “opening up” North Sea oil. Speaking later about their conversation, Trump said Burnham had told him he would “open up North Sea oil” and argued that doing so would make the UK “a wealthy country again.”Burnham, however, offered a more measured account of the call. “I indicated in the phone call… that I would take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea,” he said, as quoted by BBC. “There is a resource there. When people are struggling, you can’t ignore that.”
Labour’s manifesto under spotlight
Burnham’s comments have sparked speculation over whether his government could soften Labour’s 2024 election pledge not to issue new licences for North Sea drilling.The manifesto committed to honouring existing licences while ruling out new ones. Former energy secretary Ed Miliband, now serving as foreign secretary in Burnham’s government, had previously described the Rosebank oilfield licence as “climate vandalism,” according to the BBC.The government has not announced any policy changes, though Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has said oil and gas remain “part of the mix” under existing licences, The Independent reported.
Pressure from industry and climate campaigners
Burnham faces competing demands from energy companies, trade unions and opposition parties calling for increased drilling, particularly at the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields. Environmental groups and some Labour MPs argue that approving fresh projects would undermine Britain’s climate commitments.Green Party leader Zack Polanski warned against expanding fossil fuel production. “Our country is burning… Allowing new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea will worsen the climate breakdown,” as quoted by BBC.Simon Francis of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition also argued that more drilling would not reduce household energy bills because North Sea gas is sold at global market prices, as quoted by BBC.
Legal uncertainty over Rosebank and Jackdaw
The future of the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects remains uncertain. Regulators approved both developments in 2022 and 2023, but those approvals were overturned in 2025 following a legal challenge. The government will eventually have to decide whether production can proceed.According to the BBC, Burnham could also encourage investment in the sector by scrapping the Energy Profits Levy, commonly known as the windfall tax.
Trump also raises immigration
During his remarks, Trump also urged Burnham to tackle illegal immigration, saying it was “killing” Britain and criticising the previous government over migrant crossings.Responding to those comments, Burnham said progress had been made in reducing Channel crossings compared with last year but acknowledged that “much further” work was needed. He also pointed to an increase in migrant removals while insisting the government would continue tightening enforcement, The Independent reported.
