Andy Burnham urged to green light North Sea oil and gas mega deal

Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing mounting pressure to approve major North Sea energy projects rather than delay decisions due to by-election nerves, according to the Daily Express. Industry leaders warn that further hesitation threatens billions in investment and thousands of jobs.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has been urged to find the backbone needed to green light drilling in North Sea oil and gas fields instead of postponing announcements for fear of boosting political rivals. Labour is currently locked in a fierce electoral contest to stop Green leader Zack Polanski from winning the Holborn and St Pancras by-election on October 8. Critics argue that stalling decisions on vital infrastructure projects like Jackdaw and Rosebank demonstrates a willingness to prioritize short-term optics over long-term national interest.

The delay has provoked fury among business leaders and local councillors in industrial hubs. Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, issued a direct warning about the dangers of political stalling in the energy sector.

Decisions of this importance should be taken on their merits, not delayed for political expediency. Jackdaw and Rosebank represent billions of pounds of investment, support thousands of good jobs and will provide secure energy from our own waters that Britain will otherwise have to import.

— Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce, Daily Express

Local political figures have similarly demanded that the government show decisive leadership during next week’s party conference. Richard Brooks, who leads the Conservative group on Aberdeen’s city council, argued that backing the developments is crucial for maintaining trust among energy workers.

It is essential that Andy Burnham considers the national and local economic picture and uses his conference speech to alleviate all doubt and give the Rosebank and Jackdaw projects the green light. Having the backbone to make such an announcement would do much for his credibility among many oil and gas workers that this Labour party have claimed time and time again to represent.

— Richard Brooks, Conservative group leader on Aberdeen’s city council, Daily Express

• Jackdaw and Rosebank projects involve billions in private investment.
• Thousands of high-skilled jobs rely on continued North Sea activity.
• Delay linked directly to the upcoming Holborn and St Pancras by-election.
• Critics emphasise that domestic gas production produces fewer emissions than imports.

As pressure mounts ahead of the parliamentary conference season, Downing Street faces a stark choice between managing electoral optics in London and securing the nation’s long-term energy future.

Original source: Read the full report at Daily Express