Politics · 18 July 2026

Andy Burnham to allow new North Sea oil and gas drilling as PM

This decision goes against Labour's 2024 manifesto commitment, which had vowed to refrain from issuing further licences while upholding current ones. Andy Burnham, who becomes prime minister on Monday, told the BBC about his new plans. This move comes after the oil and gas sector and trade unions jointly wrote to advocate for the North Sea.

By BriefTea Editorial · 18 July 2026 at 8:38

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Why drill for North Sea oil? Why is North Sea gas drying up? What is North Sea oil?

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