Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said that North Sea oil drilling could help ease household costs, signalling a potential change in approach from the previous government’s emphasis on net-zero policies. He argued that Britain should not overlook its domestic energy resources, placing energy security and affordability alongside environmental commitments.

The comments appear to mark a break with former energy policy associated with Ed Miliband, which prioritised reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Burnham’s position suggests greater openness to continued North Sea extraction, although the article text provided does not set out any specific new licences, production targets or policy measures.