# Andy Burnham vows to give people ‘hope back’ as he becomes Labour leader

By Simon Francis — 2026-07-17

Simon Francis, coordinator of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, said: “If Andy Burnham’s first act as Prime Minister is to bow to Donald Trump’s fossil fuel agenda, he will be making a long-term blunder.

“Even Claire Coutinho acknowledged when she was Energy Secretary that more North Sea drilling will do nothing to bring down people’s energy bills.

“So while people across the UK continue to endure dangerous and unprecedented heat generated by climate change, furthering fossil fuel extraction seems perverse.

“Instead, the government should show the world that expanding renewable energy and upgrading homes is the fastest, cheapest route to lower bills and lasting energy security.

“The new Prime Minister must show that he won’t be pushed around by profiteers with a vested interest in preserving the status quo.

“That means help for households now and standing firm on an energy plan that helps people switch to clean heating and cooling sources and reforms electricity pricing so everyone can benefit from permanently lower energy bills.”

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