Burnham told Trump that Britain will not abandon oil and gas extraction in the North Sea
Kyiv • UNN
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham informed US President Donald Trump that the country will not ignore its own oil and gas reserves in the North Sea. The government will maintain a pragmatic approach to the energy sector amid economic challenges.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the country cannot ignore its own oil and gas reserves in the North Sea, and reported that he voiced this position during his first phone call with US President Donald Trump. Politico reports, writes UNN.
Details
According to Burnham, his government will adhere to a pragmatic approach to the development of the energy sector amid economic challenges and rising energy prices.
There is a resource here – when people face difficulties, we cannot ignore it. So I pointed this out to the president
The government is under pressure over North Sea policy
The Labour Party previously promised not to issue new oil and gas extraction licenses, while maintaining existing permits. However, the government is now under pressure from the opposition Conservative Party and Reform UK, which are calling for a review of this policy.
Earlier, Donald Trump said that during a phone call, Burnham informed him of his intention to "open the North Sea" for resource development. The British prime minister himself has not yet announced a change in government policy, but previously noted that he does not rule out further development of extraction.
According to Politico, two large fields – Rosebank and Jackdaw – already have licenses, but are awaiting environmental approval and approval of development plans. At the same time, representatives of the oil and gas industry are also calling on the government to review the tax burden on producers, which currently stands at 78% until 2030.