UK leader faces a key test on North Sea oil drilling decision

LONDON (AP) – British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is facing a key test of his environmental policies as he decides on whether oil and gas firms should be allowed to drill in the North Sea.

Burnham's administration has been under heavy pressure from climate campaigners and businesses over whether to approve two oil and gas fields in waters north of Scotland, including one stated to be the U.K.'s largest untapped oil resource.

Environmental groups have pressed Burnham to refuse permission for the projects, known as Rosebank and Jackdaw, saying they would accelerate climate change at a time when the U.K., like the rest of Europe, faces record extreme heat linked to human actions including burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas.

But opposition politicians, the oil and gas industry and U.S. President Donald Trump have piled pressure on Burnham to offer the green light, arguing it would protect jobs, cut household bills and improve Britain's energy security.

When public consultations on the two projects closed, british authorities have been anticipated to create a decision since August.

Taken together, the developments around UK leader faces a key test on North Sea oil drilling decision point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.