PM urged to uphold climate pledges made as mayor and ban new North Sea oil drilling

Burnham Faces Pressure Over North Sea Drilling as Climate Scientists and Industry Lobby Clash

As Andy Burnham stands on the threshold of becoming Britain's next prime minister, he faces a pivotal decision on North Sea oil and gas drilling. Climate scientists who helped craft his ambitious environmental record as mayor of Greater Manchester are urging him to reject new extraction projects, while the oil industry is lobbying for their approval, citing economic and industrial benefits.

The controversy centers on the Rosebank oilfield and the Jackdaw gasfield, two major North Sea projects that were granted licences under the previous Conservative government but have been stalled by legal challenges. The courts ruled that a fuller environmental assessment was required, taking into account the climate impact of burning any extracted fossil fuels.

Scientists Urge Rejection

Leading climate scientists, including Prof Kevin Anderson and colleagues from the Tyndall Centre at the University of Manchester, have written an open letter to Burnham, who was the architect of Greater Manchester's carbon neutral by 2038 commitment. They express "considerable concern" over reports that his government might approve the further development of Rosebank and Jackdaw.

According to the scientists, such a move would send a global signal that the UK is backtracking on its international climate commitments. They wrote that approving the fields "would represent a profound departure from the principles you promoted as Mayor of Greater Manchester." The letter comes amid extreme heat and wildfires across the UK and Europe this summer, with the academics warning that global emissions must be cut by 8% annually to meet the upper limit of 2C of heating under the Paris climate agreement.

Labour's manifesto promised no new oil and gas licences, but since Rosebank and Jackdaw were already in the system before the general election, giving them final consent would not breach that pledge. A consultation on Jackdaw is due to finish on 8 August.

Industry Lobbying Intensifies

The North Sea oil industry has made a "last-ditch attempt" to curry favour with the incoming government by appealing to Burnham's reindustrialisation agenda. Industry group Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), co-signed by over 10 business groups and the GMB trade union, has written to more than 400 Labour MPs. The letter calls for allowing more drilling to support homegrown energy and show "a commitment to UK manufacturing, industrial capability and the skilled workforce that has powered the nation for generations."

The industry argues that while they support the government's ambition for a lower-carbon energy system, the transition would be "stronger and fairer" if built on an all-energy approach that leverages the UK's industrial strengths.

Burnham has vowed to tackle Britain's deindustrialisation and create "good growth in every postcode," including safeguarding sovereign manufacturing in critical sectors such as steel, defence, and energy. However, it remains unclear what his premiership will mean for the North Sea.

Miliband's Role in Question

The fate of Rosebank and Jackdaw has remained in limbo under Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who has been widely expected to overrule both projects. Miliband, described as the UK's champion of climate action, has been the target of vitriol from rightwing media and politicians, who label him a "net-zero zealot" with a "messianic" devotion to climate action.

Burnham has reportedly been considering Miliband for the position of chancellor of the exchequer, which would signal a major boost for low-carbon economic growth policies. However, rivals have briefed that Miliband may lose out to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, which could be a setback for climate policy.

Despite the attacks, some observers credit Miliband with significant progress. "His detractors won't like to admit it, but Miliband has been the most successful minister under the Starmer administration," says Ed Matthew, UK director at the E3G thinktank. "Perhaps that is why they have attacked him so viciously."

Economic and Climate Pressures

The debate unfolds against a backdrop of severe economic and environmental pressures. The UK has experienced three heatwaves so far this year, which have killed thousands of people and caused at least £2.4bn in lost productivity. Another poor harvest would be the fourth since 2020, pushing food prices higher.

Burnham has been criticized for being quiet on climate issues during his campaign. "Burnham has been very quiet about the climate [crisis] so far," says Chris Venables of the Green Alliance thinktank. "I don't think [it] is at the forefront of his mind, but that does not mean he will water down this agenda."

Craig Bennett, chief executive of the Wildlife Trusts, argues that rescuing the British economy is inseparable from rescuing the climate. "We treat these things as if they're in silos, but it's much better to solve them in a holistic and joined-up way," he said.

The UK's electricity prices are about 45% above the G7 median, and high energy costs are damaging businesses and dampening growth. However, Miliband's reforms have added up to about £150 off bills for the average household, and the private sector has committed about £100bn to clean technology.

Decision Ahead

As Burnham prepares to enter No 10, the choice over Rosebank and Jackdaw will test his commitment to climate action against his industrial ambitions. The scientists' letter, the industry's lobbying, and the backdrop of extreme weather and economic strain all converge on a decision that could shape the UK's energy policy for years to come.