Burnham faces potential Labour backlash over possible North Sea drilling plans
13 reported1 unconfirmed
Andy Burnham risks his first confrontation with Labour MPs if he announces new oil and gas drilling licences when he becomes prime minister, according to party insiders. Speculation is widespread that Burnham will announce some new plans for drilling in the North Sea after he is installed in Downing Street on Monday. The party’s 2024 manifesto pledged to honour existing exploration licences but not issue new ones. Burnham’s team have not confirmed the details of any proposals or whether they would involve new exploration licences or so-called “tiebacks”. One source said the prospect of new drilling was the subject of extensive discussions among MPs on Saturday, many of whom are worried it could affect the climate while having little impact on energy bills and security. The debate largely centres around two sites, Rosebank and Jackdaw, off the north-eastern coast of Scotland, whose licences were approved under the Conservatives but overturned last year by a Scottish court. Burnham, confirmed as Labour leader on Friday, has indicated that cutting the cost of living will be a priority for his government.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham risks his first confrontation with Labour MPs if he announces new oil and gas drilling licences when he becomes prime minister, insiders have warned.
Speculation is rife that Burnham will announce some new plans for drilling in the North Sea after he is installed in Downing Street on Monday.
The party’s 2024 manifesto pledged to honour existing exploration licences but not issue new ones.
Burnham’s team have not confirmed the details of any proposals or whether they would involve new exploration licences or tiebacks.
One source said the prospect of new drilling was the subject of extensive discussions among MPs on Saturday.
The debate largely centres around two sites, Rosebank and Jackdaw, off the north-eastern coast of Scotland.
Licences for the proposed sites were approved under the Conservatives, but overturned last year by a Scottish court.
The energy secretary, Ed Miliband, a Burnham ally, has previously described the Rosebank licence as “climate vandalism”.
Mike Reader, an MP on the energy security and net zero select committee, said new licences would have “zero impact” on household bills.
Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift, said 80% of oil produced in the North Sea ends up being exported.
Bob Ward, policy director at the Grantham Institute, said remaining oil and gas is in more inaccessible places requiring higher operating costs.
Lee Hunter of the Fire Brigades Union said being called to extreme weather incidents was becoming the “new normal” for firefighters.
Burnham will become prime minister on Monday, when he is expected to set out his policy agenda.
Open questions
Whether Burnham will announce new exploration licences or tiebacks, and what specific proposals he will set out on Monday.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, Labour leader and incoming prime minister
Ed Miliband, energy secretary and Burnham ally
Mike Reader, MP and member of the energy security and net zero select committee
Tessa Khan, executive director of Uplift
Bob Ward, policy director at the Grantham Institute on Climate Change and the Environment
Lee Hunter, Fire Brigades Union representative
Sources: The Guardian
