Burnham expected to reverse Labour ban on new North Sea oil and gas drilling

Andy Burnham will become UK prime minister on Monday and is expected to announce plans to allow further oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, targeting the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields. The move would overturn Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledge not to issue new licences, despite legal challenges that previously halted the projects. Burnham frames the decision as part of a broader effort to ease the cost‑of‑living crisis, but energy experts say additional domestic supply is unlikely to lower household bills. Industry groups argue the drilling could generate significant tax revenue and protect jobs, while climate activists warn it would undermine emissions targets. The announcement will come alongside other measures such as public ownership of water and energy firms and a council‑house building programme.