Andy Burnham to unveil plans for North Sea oil and gas drilling
The incoming Prime Minister's announcement comes amid controversy over the Labour Party's commitment not to issue new drilling licences.
By BBC News
Andy Burnham is set to announce plans for new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea when he officially becomes Prime Minister on Monday, July 20, 2026. The announcement will include a willingness to approve the Jackdaw gas field and the Rosebank oil field, both located off the coast of Scotland. Both projects remain entangled in legal proceedings after previous approvals were overturned by court rulings. Public consultations regarding these developments are underway, led by the Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (OPRED), and formal approvals are not expected until these consultations conclude.
Burnham has expressed his intention to adhere to the Labour Party's manifesto, which pledged not to issue new oil and gas exploration licences while honouring existing ones. However, one official stated that approving the Jackdaw and Rosebank projects would not violate this commitment, as both fields were licensed under the previous Conservative government. While he is expected to indicate support for increased drilling, no final decisions have been made regarding the North Sea projects.
The announcement will also be part of a broader set of initiatives from Burnham, which may include plans for public ownership of water and energy companies and a new council house-building programme. Some Labour MPs have voiced their opposition to the approval of the Rosebank development, while industry representatives and trade unions have urged Burnham to support North Sea oil and gas, arguing it is crucial for job preservation and economic stability.