Burnham Promises “Pragmatic” North Sea Approach
Labour leader Andy Burnham signalled a ‘‘pragmatic’’ stance on North Sea drilling during his conference speech, repeating comments made by newly appointed energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh that oil and gas will remain part of the UK energy mix for decades. Industry figures in Aberdeen welcomed the ministerial engagement but say ministers must move from rhetoric to concrete approvals — notably decisions on the stalled Jackdaw and Rosebank developments.
Why It Matters
Decisions on North Sea licences and major fields such as Jackdaw and Rosebank could affect UK energy security, government revenue and domestic supply at a time of elevated global energy market volatility. The industry argues faster approvals and consistent policy would unlock projects ready to produce and provide fiscal and supply-side benefits.
Key Facts
- Event: Andy Burnham's conference speech and Miatta Fahnbulleh's ministerial visit to Aberdeen
- Timing: Fahnbulleh visited Aberdeen three days after being named energy secretary; Burnham's comments came at Labour conference
- Projects in focus: Jackdaw and Rosebank fields, owned by Adura (Equinor and Shell JV)
- Potential output: The two fields could yield nearly a billion barrels of oil and meet more than 6% of UK gas demand
- Consultation: Government consultation on the fields concluded in August; a decision was expected in early September
Labour leader Andy Burnham reiterated a ‘‘pragmatic approach’’ to North Sea drilling in his conference speech, echoing language used earlier by energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. Fahnbulleh’s symbolic first ministerial trip to Aberdeen — carried out three days after her appointment — was welcomed by the oil and gas sector as a break with the previous government’s distance from the industry and as a positive signal of engagement.
Offshore Energies UK (OEUK) and other industry representatives described the Aberdeen visit and subsequent talks as constructive, but they say little concrete policy has followed. Despite renewed optimism since the Makerfield byelection and public statements acknowledging oil and gas will remain part of the energy mix, executives note that firm decisions and regulatory clarity have not yet materialised.
The most immediate items on ministers’ desks are approvals for the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields, projects owned by Adura, a joint venture of Equinor and Shell. Those developments have been in limbo for more than two years following a contentious court ruling; industry groups say the fields could produce almost a billion barrels of oil and supply over 6% of the UK’s gas needs. A government consultation on the projects closed in August, with ministers expected to decide earlier in September.
Industry voices argue the wider geopolitical context — including disruptions from the war in the Middle East and earlier shocks from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — strengthens the case for moving faster on domestic production. OEUK points to more than 100 licensed projects ready to proceed if the government provides consistent taxation and quicker regulatory approvals. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has described the North Sea as a "vital asset" and said decisions on the Adura fields will consider "all relevant evidence."