Prime Minister Andy Burnham faces a series of challenging decisions on the domestic and international fronts following a summer marked by ambitious cost-of-living measures. Central among these is the issue of North Sea oil and gas development, with the future of the Rosebank oilfield and Jackdaw gasfield uncertain after a court ruled the previous government's drilling consent unlawful.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh is expected to be directed by Burnham to approve extraction at the Jackdaw gasfield, which industry estimates could supply approximately 6% of the UK’s future gas output. However, this move is not anticipated to impact domestic gas prices significantly due to the global nature of gas markets. Burnham appears more hesitant about permitting activity at Rosebank, a position shared by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who has described the project as a form of "climate vandalism." The decision has sparked dissent within Labour’s left wing and attracted criticism from the Green Party’s leader Zack Polanski, especially in light of recent record-breaking heatwaves attributed to climate change.
On the international stage, Burnham is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly in New York later this month. Their upcoming encounter follows a history of public disagreements; Burnham had previously labelled Trump “poisonous” during his tenure as Manchester mayor, while Trump referred to him dismissively as the “mayor of a town.” Nevertheless, the pair engaged in a cordial phone conversation shortly after Burnham took office. Trump expressed approval of Burnham’s potential decision to expand North Sea oil production, suggesting it could contribute to the UK’s wealth. Burnham intends to use the meeting to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine, having recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and pledged to rally further international support.
Domestically, Burnham faces pressing challenges regarding electoral reform and party funding. The electoral reform bill is returning to Parliament this week amid internal and external pressures. Burnham initially supported capping individual political donations at £500,000 to reduce disproportionate influence from wealthy donors, a move seen as a response to concerns about Reform UK’s reliance on large donors. However, after lobbying from trade unions, he has reportedly abandoned the cap, drawing criticism from some Labour MPs, opposition parties, and reform advocates. Nearly 100 Labour MPs have called for Burnham to back the establishment of a national commission on electoral reform, an initiative also supported by the Liberal Democrats. Their leader, Ed Davey, framed the issue as a test of Burnham’s willingness to distinguish himself from his predecessor, Keir Starmer.
Burnham also continues to push for extensive public control of utilities and transport, committing to a decade-long programme to bring services such as energy, water, and buses under public ownership. He highlights ongoing efforts already underway, including the Liverpool City Region’s imminent takeover of bus services and partnerships with the West Midlands Combined Authority.
In addition to policy announcements from the summer — such as VAT cuts on energy bills, £2 bus fares, abolishing digital ID requirements, devolving powers, and plans for a national care service — Burnham is preparing to face parliamentary scrutiny. MPs are expected to question how the government intends to finance these initiatives and address a nearly £5 billion shortfall in the defence investment programme left by Starmer.
Justice Secretary Alex Norris is also presenting plans to tighten early release criteria for prisoners, including those convicted of manslaughter. The move, partly prompted by public safety concerns following the killing of PC Andrew Harper, is anticipated to extend prison sentences but may accelerate pressure on prison capacity.
Burnham’s first Prime Minister’s Questions session with Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch is scheduled for later this week. Meanwhile, the upcoming Reform UK party conference in Birmingham, featuring Nigel Farage, underscores the evolving political landscape, with recent polls showing Labour holding a four-point lead over Reform UK and the Conservatives trailing by one point. Burnham’s net approval rating has reportedly risen modestly in recent weeks, reflecting a cautiously optimistic public reception to his early tenure.