Andy Burnham faces decision on North Sea drilling as key date approaches

Labour appears to be split on the issue00:49, 10 Aug 2026Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing mounting pressure over North Sea oil and gas as a decision on allowing new drilling edges closer.‌Environmental groups have urged Mr Burnham to refuse permission for oil and gas production in two areas of the North Sea, known as Jackdaw and Rosebank, as part of a fight against climate change.‌But there have been calls from opposition politicians, the oil and gas industry and US President Donald Trump for him to grant permission, arguing this would protect jobs and cut household bills.‌READ MORE: Walsall van driver, 50, gets three points on his licence for doing 57mph on motorwayLabour is also split on the issue, as watering down environmental commitments could limit the party's ability to tempt b