Burnham: To drill or not to drill?

Burnham: To drill or not to drill?

Author: Financial Times August 21, 2026 Duration: 41:20

Andy Burnham has been on a regional tour of the UK, delivering a steady stream of policies aimed at tackling social issues. But now comes the hard part: should he push ahead with new drilling in the North Sea? After a summer of drought and wildfires, can the prime minister make the case for more fossil fuel extraction? FT political editor George Parker stands in for Lucy Fisher as host, and is joined by Inside Politics columnist Stephen Bush, and deputy political editor Jim Pickard. Plus, after Sue Gray described working in Starmer’s government as ‘unbearable’, and a top UK civil servant was revealed to have received a £500,000 payout package, the panel reflects on what we have learned about Starmer’s premiership now that it’s over. 


George @GeorgeWParker and @georgewparker.bsky.social; Stephen @stephenkb; and Jim @PickardJE


Want more?

Burnham launches pandemic-style drive to cut rough sleeping

Andy Burnham faces climate test over North Sea oil decision

Are ‘dodgy’ vape shops choking Britain’s high streets?

Working in Starmer’s Number 10 was ‘unbearable,’ says Sue Gray

Jamie Dimon warns UK chancellor against higher bank taxes

Top UK civil servant received record £500,000 payout after Starmer sacking


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Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com


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Every Friday, the team behind Political Fix gathers to make sense of the week's political turbulence. This isn't just a recap of headlines; it's a deep, often lively conversation that pulls back the curtain on how decisions are really made in Westminster and beyond. You'll hear from the Financial Times journalists who are actually there, in the corridors and committee rooms, paired with expert voices who provide crucial context. Together, they untangle complex policy debates, analyse the shifting alliances, and question the strategies defining Britain's future. The result is a clear-eyed, authoritative look at the forces shaping the nation, delivered with the FT's signature rigor and insight. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a private briefing, one that prioritizes substance over noise. It’s for anyone who wants to move past the soundbites and understand the real stories and personalities driving the political agenda. New episodes arrive weekly, offering a consistent and essential perspective on a landscape that never stops moving.
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