Burnham signals pragmatic stance on North Sea drilling ahead of Budget

Prime minister Andy Burnham has indicated a pragmatic approach to future North Sea drilling, offering a potential clue to the unresolved status of the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields. In an interview with the Financial Times conducted ahead of the autumn Budget, the prime minister stated that such activities would serve as a bridge to a renewable future. This terminology mirrors the language used by Dale Vince, the founder of Ecotricity, who recently voiced support for these specific projects on BBC Newsnight. However, Burnham balanced these remarks by acknowledging that the multiple heatwaves experienced this summer have heightened his awareness of the impact of climate change.

The prime minister also addressed the UK’s electricity connection, describing it as an issue that relates directly to growth and investment. He highlighted a recent move to allow regional mayors to potentially override local planning authorities on matters concerning the electricity system. Burnham argued that there is a need for greater ability to resolve these infrastructure challenges. Despite these discussions on energy and growth, he declined to confirm whether the Budget scheduled for 28 October would include increases to business taxes.

The fate of the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields has remained uncertain since last year, when a legal challenge overturned their initial approvals and returned them to the permitting process. The consultation period for both projects concluded earlier this month, drawing responses from a divided political spectrum. Conservative politicians urged Burnham to back the development, while the Green party called for the rejection of the plans. Prior to his departure from the role, energy secretary Ed Miliband was reportedly considering approving Jackdaw. This option was viewed as slightly less controversial because it contains mainly gas and fits into a previously defined strategy of allowing tiebacks to existing infrastructure.