Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, has made a public call for the government to reinforce its commitment to climate action and decrease the nation’s dependence on oil and gas resources. His statement comes as the UK experiences severe summer weather conditions including drought, wildfires, and heatwaves that Khan attributes to climate change impacts.
Khan’s comments have been directed at Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration, urging it to reaffirm its dedication to net zero targets and maintain course on reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The timing of Khan’s intervention reflects growing apprehension among Labour Members of Parliament and climate specialists regarding potential government support for expanded oil and gas extraction in the North Sea. Since taking office, Burnham has been notably reserved on climate and environmental matters, departing from his more vocal stance during his previous tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester.
Two major drilling projects are at the center of the debate: the Jackdaw gasfield and the Rosebank oilfield, both approved under the previous Conservative administration but currently paused following legal challenges by environmental organizations. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is anticipated to make decisions on these projects in the coming weeks following completion of emissions consultations. The Labour party’s manifesto explicitly promised to halt new licensing for oil and gas extraction.
The potential approval of new North Sea drilling has generated concern among Labour parliamentarians worried about voter backlash, particularly as the public experiences extreme weather conditions linked to fossil fuel consumption and a resurgent Green party gains electoral support. However, advocates for expanded drilling, including opposition leader Kemi Badenoch, argue such development could address energy security concerns. Prominent economist Nicholas Stern has countered that new drilling would harm economic growth and energy security while sending detrimental signals globally.
Khan has characterized the current climate situation as an “era of extremes” and expressed concern that without immediate action, conditions will deteriorate further. He has argued that cross-party consensus on climate action has fractured, with political opponents displaying inconsistent approaches to climate policy.
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