Andy Burnham slaps down net zero zealot Ed Miliband as he prepares to launch new oil and gas drilling in North Sea

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 10:31, 18 July 2026 | Updated: 10:46, 18 July 2026 Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has slapped down net-zero supporter Ed Miliband with plans to launch new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.  He is reportedly set to announce the plans when he becomes PM on Monday. It comes after fierce debate over the future of two oil and gas fields in Scotland - Rosebank and Jackdaw - where licences were approved in 2022 and 2023 before being overturned last year.  Sir Keir Starmer previously faced criticism over his opposition to drilling for fossil fuels, arguing granting new licences does not mean cheaper bills for customers, as proponents claim. Instead, Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, often branded a 'net-zero zealot', has pushed renewable energy sources which do not contribute to climate change.  But amid pressures on energy prices including the war between the US and Iran, Reform and the Conservatives have pushed the government to approve new licences. This would go against the party's 2024 manifesto, which pledged no new licences for oil and gas. Previously Miliband, who has described the decision to issue a licence to Rosebank as 'climate vandalism', was touted as a potential Chancellor under Andy Burnham, although in recent days Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has also been put forward. Incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has slapped down net-zero supporter Ed Miliband with plans to launch new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea It comes after fierce debate over the future of two oil and gas fields in Scotland - Rosebank and Jackdaw It is unclear exactly what Burnham's plans for oil and gas entail, but it has been trailed he will make a raft of announcements next week on policy. Ahead of his ascension to the top job, trade unions representing the oil and gas industries sent Burnham a letter calling on him to back them.  Any new licences could mark a further falling out between him and Miliband, who is likely to receive a cabinet job.  Burnham allies have insisted he has not yet made final decisions on cabinet roles, with these expected to be announced on Monday.  Among policy declarations expected are plans to nationalise water and energy firms and initiate a council house building programme.  He pledged in a speech on Friday to bring about the 'most significant change moment in our politics for 40 years'. Burnham accused politicians of 'surrendering control' of housing, water, energy and transport, and also said he would overhaul social care. In his highly-anticipated speech on Monday after becoming Prime Minister, Burnham is expected to say he wants to make a 'tangible' change to people's lives. Burnham allies have insisted he has not yet made final decisions on cabinet roles, with these expected to be announced on Monday The former Manchester mayor is set to unveil measures to tackle the cost of living and 'grasp the nettle' that is social care reform. He is also said to be considering capping bus fares at £2 across the country - something he previously enacted in Greater Manchester.  But much of the speculation centres on who will form Burnham's government with him. Allies including Angela Rayner and Louise Haigh are expected to be welcomed back into the fold with cabinet positions, while potential competition in the likes of Wes Streeting are also set to retain top jobs. Current Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to remain in government, but in a different role.