Trump aides warn Burnham against ‘mistake’ of picking chancellor opposed to North Sea drilling

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, July 4, 2026

Senior Trump administration officials have expressed concern about Andy Burnham potentially appointing Ed Miliband as chancellor due to Miliband's opposition to new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea. This highlights internal Labour Party divisions over energy policy and suggests Burnham’s upcoming choice could reveal whether his administration opts for economic gains from fossil fuel development or prioritizes environmental goals.

Senior officials in the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump have privately expressed concerns over the potential appointment of Ed Miliband as chancellor by Andy Burnham, the incoming leader expected to assume office on July 20. The Trump aides have cautioned against choosing Miliband, citing his opposition to new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.

The apprehension stems from the belief among Trump officials that the current ban on new drilling licenses in the North Sea is driven by ideological considerations rather than economic necessity. They argue that lifting the moratorium could generate substantial tax revenues, which might be allocated to bolster defense spending. This position aligns with President Trump’s broader skepticism toward renewable energy initiatives, particularly wind turbines, which he has publicly criticized as detrimental to the landscape. Trump has also described the United Kingdom’s net-zero carbon policies as “stupid.”

Ed Miliband, who served as energy secretary, has been a vocal proponent of renewable energy and has opposed the expansion of fossil fuel extraction in the North Sea, citing environmental concerns and questioning the economic benefits of new drilling projects. Miliband’s stance contrasts with that of Burnham, who has indicated an openness to exploring new offshore drilling opportunities. This position reflects the views of many Labour MPs and some trade unions, including the GMB, which has criticized Labour’s prohibition on new oil and gas licenses.

Burnham has not finalized his choice for chancellor but has confirmed that a decision will be made before his official move into Downing Street. Miliband is reportedly the leading candidate and has been closely involved in advising Burnham on economic policy. The two have a longstanding political alliance, and Miliband was the first cabinet minister to call for a timeline on Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership departure.

The divergence on North Sea drilling underscores ongoing tensions within the Labour Party regarding energy policy and the balance between economic and environmental priorities. As Burnham prepares to enter office, the decision on his chancellor will signal the direction his administration intends to take on these pressing issues.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.