UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled a more "pragmatic approach" towards North Sea oil and gas, saying Britain "can't ignore" the region's energy resources while people are struggling with high costs. His remarks came after US President Donald Trump claimed Burnham had told him the UK would "open up North Sea oil" during their first phone call.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told Donald Trump that he would “open up the North Sea” for oil drilling, the US president has said.

The US president, who is a vocal supporter of fossil fuels, argues the move would make the UK ‘a wealthy country’.