Prime Minister Andy Burnham has addressed reports regarding a recent phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, specifically concerning the future of North Sea oil and gas production. During a visit to Cumbria, Burnham stated that he informed the President that his government would take a 'pragmatic' approach to energy resources, noting that the UK cannot ignore the potential of the North Sea while citizens are facing economic struggles.

The clarification follows comments made by Donald Trump, who publicly claimed that Burnham had promised to 'open up' North Sea oil drilling. This specific commitment was notably absent from the official UK government summary of the call, leading to questions from the media regarding the substance of the discussion. Burnham’s response during his visit served as his first public acknowledgment of the topic since the conflicting accounts emerged.

There is a clear discrepancy between the two accounts of the conversation. Trump’s version suggests a definitive policy shift toward expanding drilling, whereas Burnham’s public comments emphasize a 'pragmatic' stance that balances energy needs with the current economic climate. The UK government has not provided further details to reconcile the difference between the Prime Minister's stated position and the President's interpretation of their dialogue.