Andy Burnham is preparing to back a Government Bill that would effectively end new oil and gas exploration in the North Sea. The Energy Independence Bill, introduced by Miatta Fahnbulleh, would remove the North Sea Transition Authority’s ability to grant fresh licences and would permanently protect the moratorium on new drilling projects introduced by Ed Miliband when he served as energy secretary.
On Thursday 05 November 2026, the political row intensified as Labour finalised its energy strategy. The legislation would make reversal difficult, requiring a parliamentary majority to reopen the region to new activity.
The Energy Independence Bill’s central aim
The Bill’s central objective is to deliver long-term energy independence. By removing the North Sea Transition Authority’s power to issue new oil and gas licences, ministers hope to meet Labour’s manifesto commitment to issue no new licences for exploring fresh North Sea fields.
The measure would protect a moratorium introduced by Mr Miliband, though it could still be challenged in future. According to the Government, the distinction matters: the proposal would lock in the principle that new projects should not proceed, rather than simply repeat a policy position.
Existing fields and transitional support
The Government has signalled that transitional energy certificates would allow further production in already licensed or existing oil and gas fields, including through existing infrastructure. Ministers argue this could release around 60 million barrels of oil and support hundreds of jobs.
The energy secretary said: “Through this bill, we will build a clean energy future which people feel in their pockets, households and communities, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.”
Political and climate pressure
Mr Burnham said: “This bill will make the changes needed for the long-term: protecting people when energy companies let them down, giving communities a stake in the power produced on their doorstep, and building more cheap, green power here at home. “Together, these changes will bring bills down for good, give families greater security and put Britain back in control of its energy future.”
Andrew Bowie, the shadow energy secretary, criticised the plans. “Labour’s so-called energy independence bill will only make Britain more dependent on oil and gas imports. Labour might as well hang a ‘closed for business’ sign over our North Sea.”
The announcement came less than two weeks after ministers approved plans to begin drilling at the Jackdaw gas field, a decision Ms Fahnbulleh said would “support the country’s energy security with homegrown gas this winter”. Activists from Fossil Free London protested against the approval. Greenpeace UK’s head of politics, Ami McCarthy, said: “Approving Jackdaw shows the toxic grip fossil fuel lobbyists still hold over our energy policy.”
Mr Burnham promised pragmatism, but campaigners questioned that framing. “There is nothing pragmatic about rubber-stamping a project that won’t lower energy bills, won’t boost energy security and will create just 27 full-time jobs,” Ms McCarthy said.
Why it Matters
The proposed legislation is more than a technical energy measure. It places a permanent political barrier around the North Sea and forces a future parliamentary vote to reverse. For Labour, that is a high-stakes bet on the green transition, market signals and public consent.
The Energy Independence Bill would fulfil Labour’s manifesto commitment to issue no new oil and gas licences for new North Sea exploration,