# Burnham: Britain must commit to net zero by 2050

> The PM makes his strongest case yet for climate action, but faces pressure over approving new North Sea oil and gas fields.
- Title: Burnham: Britain must commit to net zero by 2050 | Shortify
- Summary: The PM makes his strongest case yet for climate action, but faces pressure over approving new North Sea oil and gas fields. Burnham is pushing a…
- Keywords: andy burnham, net zero 2050, climate crisis, green energy, community energy, north sea, jackdaw gasfield, rosebank oilfield, labour party, fossil fuels, climate commitment, Burnham
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/17/andy-burnham-uk-must-fully-commit-to-reaching-net-zero-by-2050
- Published: 2026-09-17T12:00:48+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: andy burnham, net zero 2050, climate crisis, uk, green energy, community energy, north sea, jackdaw gasfield, rosebank oilfield, labour party, fossil fuels, climate commitment
## Burnham doubles down on net zero
The PM says the UK must fully commit to reaching net zero by 2050, calling it Labour's core election promise. He wants Britain to believe in itself again on climate action.

> I am determined that we meet the commitment on which Labour was elected and reach net zero by 2050.
## Climate crisis is here now
Burnham points to the UK's hottest summer on record, with heatwaves collapsing nurses and wildfires destroying homes. He says Britons are no longer insulated from climate consequences.

> The climate crisis is not a distant threat. It is here and with us now.
## Community energy as the solution
Burnham is launching people's power projects where communities own local green energy schemes like solar panels and windfarms. He says this gives Britons a way to tackle climate change themselves.

> Community energy gives them that chance.
## Pressure over North Sea oil fields
Burnham faces criticism from Labour MPs and the Greens over whether to approve the Jackdaw gasfield and Rosebank oilfield. A decision on Jackdaw has been delayed until autumn.
## Greens see political opportunity
The Green Party is challenging Labour in the Holborn and St Pancras byelection, accusing the party of being insufficiently serious on climate. The delayed Jackdaw decision fuels their criticism.
## Green transition as reindustrialisation
Burnham frames net zero as Britain's best chance to reindustrialise, requiring changes to how we travel, build homes and produce energy. He sees climate action as economic opportunity.

> The green transition as the best chance we will ever have to reindustrialise Britain.
## Key takeaway

Burnham is pushing a community-led green energy strategy to reach net zero, but his credibility depends on whether he approves controversial new fossil fuel projects.