Burnham said the government would announce decisions on the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields "shortly", signalling an imminent move on two high-profile North Sea oil and gas projects that have attracted intense political and public scrutiny.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch added pressure on the prime minister, telling him to stop "faffing about" with the developments — a phrase that underlines the sharp partisan debate over energy policy, jobs and the UK's climate commitments.
Background and stakes
Rosebank and Jackdaw are among the more debated North Sea licences, drawing attention for their potential economic contribution as well as the environmental implications of further fossil fuel extraction. Decisions on whether to approve or block field developments sit at the intersection of energy security, regional employment and the government’s net-zero targets, making them politically sensitive.
Political pressure
The comments from Burnham and Badenoch reflect a broader push from across the political spectrum for clarity from the prime minister. Supporters of developing domestic oil and gas point to energy security and local jobs, while opponents highlight the need to reduce emissions and accelerate investment in low-carbon alternatives.
What to expect next
With officials and ministers under pressure to resolve the issue, the government’s forthcoming announcements are likely to be closely watched by industry groups, environmental organisations and constituencies in areas that would be directly affected. Whatever the outcome, the decisions are expected to reinforce existing tensions over the balance between short-term energy needs and long-term climate objectives.