A broad coalition of energy industry groups and trade unions has urged more than 400 Labour MPs to support expanded oil and gas drilling in UK waters, pressing the case just days before Andy Burnham is expected to become prime minister.
The open letter, co-signed by Offshore Energies UK, the GMB union, and more than 10 business groups, argues that current policies leave Britain importing over 40% of its energy from volatile regions. It appeals directly to Burnham's reindustrialisation agenda. Burnham is set to be confirmed as prime minister in the coming days after securing the backing of nearly 350 Labour MPs.
The intervention comes as Energy Secretary Ed Miliband weighs decisions on two stalled North Sea projects, Rosebank and Jackdaw. While Labour's 2024 manifesto pledged not to issue new exploration licences, Miliband is reportedly open to consenting to the Jackdaw gas development. A UK government spokesperson maintained that new exploration licences would not deliver energy security or reduce bills.