Burnham to Balance Green Pledges with UK Energy Needs

Andy Burnham will reportedly uphold Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledge against new North Sea oil and gas licenses while honoring existing ones as he prepares to become prime minister. Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, stated Burnham will emphasize a “pragmatic approach” to North Sea energy, viewing it as part of the transition to cleaner sources and long-term energy security.

The incoming government will not immediately approve the controversial Rosebank and Jackdaw fields, as decisions are being reconsidered following a legal challenge from Greenpeace and Uplift. These groups argued prior approvals did not fully account for the climate impact of burning the fuels produced.

Burnham also faces decisions regarding oil and gas exploration licenses and the Energy Profits Levy, a 78% tax on oil and gas companies. The industry favors scrapping the EPL, claiming it discourages investment, while environmental groups may offer less resistance to its removal than to new drilling.