Andy Burnham faces a major climate test as decisions loom on two North Sea oil projects. The public consultation on Rosebank ends Monday, while the Jackdawgereview has finished. Both projects must re‑apply for development consent after a country's court ruled that carbon emissions from fossil fuels must be weighed.

The prime minister has pledged to honour Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which promised no new oil licences, yet the government has adopted a more supportive tone. Shell and Equinor, through joint venture Adura, already hold licences; the key issue is whether to grant consent. Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is expected to decide within weeks.

Supporters argue domestic production cuts import emissions, creates jobs and keeps Britain’s 75% energy mix stable. Opponents warn that the industry will export to Europe, undermining British refining and worsening climate impacts. A letter from almost 50 scientists, including Bill McGuire, urged a shift to renewables.

The Finch ruling forces developers to spell out carbon impacts; the projects claim negligible climate effect. The department will weigh public views against national interests, keeping the North Sea as a vital asset for decades.