Kemi Badenoch Urges Andy Burnham to Allow North Sea Drilling

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch urged incoming prime minister Andy Burnham to support increased oil and gas drilling in the North Sea during a visit to Aberdeen on July 16, 2026. Following a roundtable with industry representatives, Badenoch argued that expanding new developments would protect employment and generate £4 billion in tax revenue for public services.

Badenoch framed the policy as a critical economic necessity, contrasting her position with that of former prime minister Keir Starmer. She suggested Starmer may have remained in office if he had overruled Energy Secretary Edward Miliband to permit new drilling.

Citing a recent Conservative by-election victory in Aberdeen South as a referendum on the issue, Badenoch called on Burnham to prioritize business interests and revenue generation over tax increases as he prepares to move into Downing Street on Monday.