Will Burnham bow to Labour rebels over Rosebank? PM sees 'up to 100' of his own MPs mobilise to oppose North Sea oilfield

Resumen detallado

The Prime Minister is facing the first major rebellion of his premiership as the Government mulls whether to approve more fossil fuel extraction in the North Sea.

Published: 08:29 GMT, 15 November 2026 | Updated: 08:30 GMT, 15 November 2026

Labour MPs have mobilised to pile pressure on Andy Burnham to block drilling at the Rosebank oilfield, it has emerged.

The Prime Minister is facing the first major rebellion of his premiership as the Government mulls whether to approve more fossil fuel extraction in the North Sea.

Since taking office, Mr Burnham has vowed to take a 'pragmatic approach' to the future of drilling in UK waters.

He has also won praise from US President Donald Trump for 'opening up' the North Sea, following the Government's approval of the Jackdaw gas field last month.

But Labour ministers are still yet to decide on whether to also approve Rosebank - the largest untapped oil field in the North Sea - amid the growing threat of a huge revolt.

Some 75 Labour MPs have privately signed a letter opposing the approval of Rosebank, according to the Sunday Times.

Campaigners are said to be hoping that 100 Labour MPs - almost one in four - could end up backing the letter.

Mr Burnham is also facing the threat of resignations from his Government if he does give the go-ahead to Rosebank.

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