Miatta Fahnbulleh, the newly appointed energy secretary under Mayor Andy Burnham’s administration, has responded to criticism over her stance on North Sea oil and gas production, rejecting labels of being an “eco-zealot.” Fahnbulleh emphasized a pragmatic approach toward the sector while refraining from committing to the issuance of new exploration licenses, despite pressures from unions advocating for expanded drilling.

Burnham’s administration has pledged to uphold Labour’s manifesto promise to avoid granting new oil and gas licenses but intends to honor the existing ones currently in place. Fahnbulleh, who took over the energy portfolio from Ed Miliband, acknowledged that oil and gas will remain part of the United Kingdom’s energy mix during the transition to cleaner alternatives. She highlighted the dual priorities of safeguarding energy sector jobs and advancing toward a net-zero future.

Unions have expressed concerns that Fahnbulleh’s approach might closely resemble that of her predecessor, Ed Miliband, who permitted limited new drilling activities, such as tie-backs to pre-existing fields. Labour unions underlined the need for a secure domestic energy supply to prevent job losses and protect the UK economy from risks associated with increased reliance on energy imports.

Fahnbulleh also addressed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that her primary responsibility is to serve the interests of the British public rather than appease foreign leaders. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero reiterated that oil and gas will continue to play a significant role alongside renewable energy sources and nuclear power for several decades as the country transitions to a low-carbon economy.

The tension between maintaining energy security and accelerating clean energy progress remains a central challenge for Fahnbulleh and the Burnham administration as they navigate competing demands from industry, labor groups, and environmental advocates.