Prime Minister Andy Burnham told President Donald Trump that the UK will not "ignore" its North Sea oil resources, signaling willingness to pursue new drilling despite economic struggles. The statement represents a potential policy shift toward continued fossil fuel extraction.
Donald Trump claimed British PM Andy Burnham said he would 'open up the North Sea' for oil drilling; Burnham later clarified he supports only a pragmatic approach to energy policy. The contradiction prompted media coverage of Trump's misrepresentation.
Researchers from the University of Manchester's Tyndall Centre, led by Kevin Anderson, have written an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging him not to pursue oil drilling. The letter represents climate scientists' opposition to fossil fuel expansion.
Kevin Anderson and colleagues from Manchester's Tyndall Centre wrote to the Prime Minister opposing reports that he will approve drilling in the North Sea's Rosebank and Jackdaw fields. The letter opposes expanding fossil fuel extraction.
The UK government is considering authorizing major North Sea oil drilling with a decision expected within weeks. A gear accidentally dropped into the sea at the Rosebank oilfield on April 18 has delayed production preparations.