Burnham’s Climate Blind Spot: A Warning Sign for Labour

Sadiq Khan’s call to Andy Burnham to reaffirm his commitment to net zero and reduce the UK’s reliance on oil and gas has sparked a timely debate about the Labour Party’s stance on climate action. The country’s worst summer in recent memory highlights the urgency of the crisis, which is at odds with the new prime minister’s pragmatism on fossil fuels.

Burnham’s reluctance to speak out on climate and environmental issues since taking office has raised eyebrows among Labour MPs and climate experts. His statement last month downplaying the significance of oil and gas only added fuel to the fire. “The question isn’t whether Britain will still be using oil and gas, but where does it come from,” he said. This hedging is a far cry from his previous commitment as mayor of Greater Manchester to phase out coal, oil, and gas.

Khan’s intervention is not just a personal appeal; it’s also a reminder of the cross-party consensus on climate action that has broken down in recent years. The consequences of inaction are all too real – droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves have ravaged the UK and Europe this summer. As Khan notes, “the era of extremes” is upon us, and governments must step up to meet its gravity.

Labour’s decision to pause new drilling in the North Sea may not be enough to placate critics who are increasingly linking fossil fuels with extreme weather. The resurgent Green Party is attracting new support, putting pressure on Labour to demonstrate its commitment to climate action. This could prove challenging for Burnham, who faces intense lobbying from politicians and industry leaders.

Nicholas Stern’s warning that new drilling would be bad for growth and energy security should give Burnham pause. He also faces pressure from within his own party, which is keen to see bold action on the climate crisis. Khan’s call to action has put a spotlight on Labour’s stance, and the British public will be watching closely.

The history of climate politics in the UK is marked by the Labour Party’s commitment to environmental action. From Tony Blair’s pledge to Kyoto to Jeremy Corbyn’s support for the fossil fuel treaty, Labour has long been a champion of climate action. However, good intentions are not enough – action is what matters. The question now is whether Burnham will take bold steps to address the crisis or opt for business-as-usual politics.