London mayor urges new prime minister to reaffirm net-zero and halt North Sea drilling

Sadiq Khan appealed to Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reaffirm the UK's net-zero target and to halt any additional oil and gas licences amid a season of drought, wildfires and heatwaves. Writing for one outlet, Khan argued that the climate emergency demands immediate, decisive action and warned that a pending decision on North Sea drilling could worsen the crisis. He cited growing unease among Labour parliamentarians and climate experts over Burnham’s silence on environmental policy since taking office.

The article noted that the Labour manifesto opposes new licences, while two projects approved under the previous government are awaiting further review by Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. Khan also referenced criticism from economists and the London School of Economics professor Nicholas Stern, who warned that renewed drilling would harm growth and energy security. The mayor concluded that without urgent measures, the UK risks facing even harsher climate impacts.