Andy Burnham, who recently became the UK’s prime minister, has compiled an extensive record of public statements on climate policy, renewable energy, and fossil fuels dating back approximately two decades.
During his tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham endorsed an international fossil fuel treaty in June 2025, describing it as a “lifeline” and stating that “all governments” should participate in the proposed pact to phase out coal, oil, and gas. He has consistently framed climate action and net-zero transitions as opportunities for job creation and economic development, particularly for the northern regions of England. In multiple interviews and speeches around the COP26 climate summit in November 2021, he emphasized that pursuing decarbonization could serve as a pathway to “level up” economically disadvantaged areas while creating “thousands of good jobs.”
Burnham has also expressed concerns about public perception of climate policies. He warned that net-zero could become divisive along class lines, similar to Brexit, if not properly communicated as beneficial rather than burdensome to ordinary citizens. He advocated for framing environmental action in terms of long-term cost savings and quality-of-life improvements rather than short-term expenses.
On specific issues, Burnham has taken firm positions against certain fossil fuel projects. He called fracking “the past, not the future” and opposed a third runway at Heathrow airport on environmental grounds. However, when asked about new North Sea oil and gas drilling during his recent leadership campaign, he stated he had “something of an open mind” on the matter, a comment that contrasts with his previously stated positions.
Cabinet speculation suggests potential appointments of climate-focused officials to senior positions, including the possibility of Ed Miliband as chancellor. This article compiled 28 statements from Burnham spanning from 2008 to July 2026 addressing climate change, net-zero policy, fossil fuels, energy, and transport.
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