Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has been urged to support the exploitation of the last remaining North Sea oil and gas fields, with industry leaders warning that failure to do so could result in mass job losses across the region.
Industry Warning on Jobs
The call comes from Offshore Energies UK (OEUK), which represents the offshore oil and gas industry. In a letter to Burnham, the organisation argued that the North Sea transition deals — agreements between the government and industry to manage the decline of the sector while supporting clean energy — are essential to protect jobs and energy security.
According to OEUK, the North Sea still holds an estimated 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent, much of which could be extracted using existing infrastructure. The industry body claims that without a clear strategy to exploit these reserves, the UK could face a sharp increase in unemployment, particularly in regions like the North West that are home to supply chain companies.
Burnham's Stance Under Scrutiny
Burnham, a prominent Labour figure, has previously called for a rapid transition away from fossil fuels. However, the industry argues that a managed decline is necessary to avoid economic shocks. OEUK chief executive David Whitehouse said: “We are not asking for a blank cheque for oil and gas. We are asking for a sensible, phased transition that protects jobs and ensures we don’t become even more dependent on imports.”
The letter also highlighted that the North Sea oil and gas industry supports over 200,000 jobs across the UK, with a significant number in the North West. Whitehouse warned: “If we get this wrong, we risk repeating the mistakes of the 1980s, when communities were devastated by rapid deindustrialisation.”
Political Pressure Mounts
The issue has become a political flashpoint, with the Conservatives accusing Labour of being out of touch with workers. Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said: “Labour’s anti-oil and gas policies would put thousands of jobs at risk and leave us vulnerable to foreign dictators.”
Burnham has not yet responded publicly to the letter, but his office confirmed that he is reviewing the proposals. A spokesperson said: “Andy is committed to a just transition that delivers good jobs and clean energy. He will consider all evidence carefully.”
Economic and Energy Security Concerns
Beyond jobs, the industry argues that domestic oil and gas production is vital for energy security. The UK currently imports around 40% of its gas, a figure that could rise if North Sea production declines faster than alternative energy sources are developed. OEUK warned that this could expose households and businesses to volatile global prices.
The debate comes as the UK prepares to host the COP30 climate conference in 2027, putting pressure on the government to show climate leadership. However, the industry insists that a managed decline is compatible with net-zero targets, as long as investment in carbon capture and storage and hydrogen is accelerated.
