Andy Burnham has become Prime Minister following Keir Starmer's departure from Downing Street, and has moved to authorise an expansion of oil and gas exploration in the North Sea. The decision marks a sharp reversal of Labour's previous position on fossil fuel extraction in British waters and has proved contentious, with the change of leadership and the accompanying policy shift both meeting notable public unease.

Polling taken around the transition indicates widespread public scepticism towards the new administration. The expanded drilling programme represents a clear break from the energy policy pursued under Starmer, though the precise scope and timetable for any new licensing rounds have not been confirmed.