Khan presses Burnham on climate as North Sea oil decision nears
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- Sadiq Khan called on Andy Burnham’s administration to reduce the UK’s reliance on oil and gas and reaffirm its commitment to net zero, citing worsening climate extremes
- Andy Burnham said he would be 'pragmatic' about oil and gas drilling, stating decisions on new licences would come 'in due course', while remaining largely silent on climate since becoming prime minister
- Miatta Fahnbulleh, the new energy secretary, is expected to decide on the Jackdaw gasfield and Rosebank oilfield after emissions consultations conclude in the coming weeks
- Labour MPs are concerned that supporting expanded drilling could alienate voters during a summer of extreme weather amplified by fossil fuel use, especially with Green party gains
- Kemi Badenoch argued that new North Sea drilling could resolve the UK’s energy crisis, but senior economists including Nicholas Stern say it would harm growth and energy security
- Burnham, as mayor of Greater Manchester, previously supported the fossil fuel treaty and called tackling climate change a chance to build a fairer, greener future for communities and businesses
Why it matters: Labour faces internal tension between climate credibility and political pragmatism: Burnham’s silence and potential support for new drilling risks fracturing party unity and voter trust, especially as extreme weather makes climate action more urgent and visible. The upcoming decisions on Jackdaw and Rosebank will test whether Labour’s net-zero pledge survives in practice.
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