Politics · United Kingdom · 8 hrs ago
Burnham faces pressure to balance UK growth and climate goals
Andy Burnham has promised stronger British climate leadership at the COP summit in Antalya, Turkey.
The UK government approved the Jackdaw gasfield last month, and a decision is expected on the larger Rosebank oilfield.
Ministers may also weaken targets for the car industry to shift to electric vehicles, while Chancellor John Healey supports a third runway at Heathrow.
These choices have led climate campaigners to question the government's credibility, as they appear to conflict with its climate promises.
The writer says Burnham faces pressure to protect jobs and affordability while responding to the climate crisis.
The proposed approach is to cut demand for oil and gas, rather than relying mainly on blocking new supply.
The writer points to the growth of renewable electricity and electric vehicles, noting that just under half of new cars registered in the UK last month were electric or plug-in hybrids.
Andy Burnham faces pressure to reconcile economic growth with the UK’s climate goals.
He addressed the COP summit in Antalya this week, promising “a new era of British leadership” on global heating.
His government approved the Jackdaw gasfield last month, and a decision on the proposed Rosebank oilfield is expected.
The article also cites possible weaker targets for the car industry’s shift to electric vehicles and support for a third Heathrow runway.
The article argues that Burnham could pursue both growth and climate action by reducing demand for fossil fuels.
- Who
- Andy Burnham, whose government faces pressure over its climate and economic policies.
- What
- The story examines how he might balance UK economic growth with climate goals.
- When
- He addressed the COP summit this week; the article was published on 13 November 2026.
- Where
- The COP summit was held in Antalya, Turkey.
- Why
- Burnham faces competing calls for economic growth and action to address climate change.
Climate campaigners
Business leaders
Economic priorities
Climate campaigners
Campaigners want the planet put first, regardless of effects on jobs or prices.
Business leaders
Business leaders argue for prioritising economic growth, including support for oil, gas and industry.
Fossil-fuel projects
Climate campaigners
Campaigners have criticised approval of the Jackdaw gasfield and warn that the government’s climate credibility is crumbling.
Business leaders
Business leaders see oil and gas industries as contributors to economic growth.
Burnham’s government approved the Jackdaw gasfield in the North Sea.
Burnham addressed the COP summit in Antalya and promised a new era of British leadership on global heating.
Burnham spoke on the second day of the COP31 summit in Antalya, according to the article’s photograph caption.
- Summit location
- Antalya, Turkey
- Gasfield approved
- Jackdaw, North Sea
- Proposed oilfield
- Rosebank, northwest of Shetland
- New UK car registrations last month
- Just under one in two were fully electric or plug-in hybrids
- Heathrow proposal
- A third runway, supported by Chancellor John Healey
1 source
What people are saying
We need to destroy the demand for oil and gas.
a new era of British leadership
behind building a third runway at Heathrow