Concerns that the UK will U-turn on its pledge to phase out North Sea drilling have resurfaced, following the appointment of Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Last year, under Keir Starmer’s government, the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) ended exploration licensing in the North Sea.
This means that drilling companies cannot get permission to search for new oil and gas reserves in previously untapped areas, but doesn’t prohibit existing projects.
Will Andy Burnham approve new drilling in the North Sea?
Before Burnham had even been inaugurated, reports claimed he was preparing to announce plans for new oil and gas drilling.
