The chief executive of BP has called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to increase oil and gas drilling in the North Sea and reconsider imposing additional taxes on the sector. This appeal comes amid growing pressure on the government to boost domestic energy production following recent levies applied to the industry.

BP reported record quarterly profits of £4.26 billion, its highest since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022. The increase in earnings has been largely driven by rising energy prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Despite announcing the sale of its North Sea operations after six decades of involvement, BP’s CEO Meg O’Neill expressed continued optimism about the region’s potential, stating that the company remains interested in further exploration efforts.

The government’s introduction of a windfall tax on energy companies has been met with resistance from industry leaders, who argue it could hamper investment and development in domestic energy resources. O’Neill emphasized the importance of expanding North Sea drilling as a means to secure the UK’s energy future.

Adding to the conversation, former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the UK's untapped energy reserves, describing the North Sea resources as “sitting on top of gold” and criticizing the country’s lack of action to fully exploit them.

The debate over energy policy in the UK unfolding against a backdrop of geopolitical instability highlights the complexities faced by the government as it balances fiscal measures with the need to secure affordable and reliable energy supplies.