London Mayor Sadiq Khan has called on the government to commit to renewed climate action and to lessen the UK’s dependence on oil and gas. This comes as the UK endures a summer marked by drought, wildfires, and heatwaves.
Writing in the Guardian, Khan stated that Andy Burnham’s administration must reaffirm its commitment to net zero and clearly indicate its intention to continue reducing the UK’s reliance on oil and gas.
There is increasing concern among Labour MPs and climate experts that the new prime minister may support further drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea. Since becoming Prime Minister, Burnham has largely remained silent on climate and environmental issues, despite having previously spoken out on them as Mayor of Greater Manchester.
Last month, Burnham indicated he would be “pragmatic” regarding oil and gas, with decisions on new drilling to be made “in due course.” The new energy secretary, Miatta Fahnbulleh, is expected to make decisions on the Jackdaw gasfield and Rosebank oilfield projects in the coming weeks, following consultations on their emissions.
Khan highlighted that the “terrifying scenes” this summer demonstrate the world is now in an “era of extremes.” He expressed concern that, without urgent action, “the worst is still to come.”