Andy Burnham, who is set to become the UK’s next prime minister, has maintained a relatively reserved public position on climate policy during his leadership campaign, particularly regarding potential changes to Labour’s commitment against new North Sea oil and gas drilling. When questioned about reversing this manifesto pledge, he stated he possessed “something of an open mind” on the matter.
However, an examination of Burnham’s prior public statements reveals a more consistent environmental stance. In June 2025, while serving as mayor of Greater Manchester, he endorsed an international fossil fuel treaty aimed at phasing out coal, oil, and gas production, describing it as a “lifeline” that all governments should support. He also declared that “there should be no turning away from net-zero” in a video message backing the proposal.
Throughout his political career, Burnham has framed climate action as an economic opportunity rather than solely an environmental necessity. At the 2021 Greater Manchester Green Summit, he emphasized that accelerating climate response could “create thousands of good jobs” and improve public transport and housing. He has warned against viewing net-zero as burdensome, instead positioning it as a path to economic strengthening and regional development. In November 2021, he cautioned that net-zero could become divisive along class lines if not properly managed, comparing potential public backlash to divisions surrounding Brexit.
Burnham has previously opposed fracking and other fossil fuel expansion projects. In 2019, he stated that fracking represented “the past” rather than the future, and in 2025 he opposed Reform’s fracking proposals, arguing that northern communities would face disruption while energy companies captured profits.
As he forms his government, speculation suggests key environmental figures may hold prominent positions, including current net-zero secretary Ed Miliband potentially becoming chancellor. Burnham’s cabinet appointments and early policy decisions will clarify whether his recent cautious statements on North Sea drilling represent a genuine shift or reflect campaign strategy.