Labour MP and former health secretary Wes Streeting announced a set of policy pledges aimed at boosting tax revenue and energy output, while contrasting his approach with that of rival Andy Burnham. In a Sunday Times interview, he said a new wave of North Sea drilling licences would fund public services and urged incentives for firms hiring young workers.

New North Sea drilling licences to raise tax receipts

Streeting said his premiership would diverge from Keir Starmer’s by granting licences for additional offshore drilling,a move he believes will generate higher tax receipts for the Treasury. he framed the policy as a pragmatic resopnse to the “counter‑productive” ban on new drilling,which he linked to Labour’s current tax stance.

Critique of Ed Miliband’s ‘slavish addiction to Net Zero’

During the interview, Streeting lambasted former Labour leader Ed Miliband for what he called a “slavish addiction to Net Zero”, arguing that the party’s strict anti‑drilling position hampers economic growth. He stressed the need for a balanced climate strategy that includes renewable investment but also acknowledges Britain’s role in global energy markets.

Targeted tax cuts to tackle youth unemployment

Streeting suggested that businesses should receive specific tax reductions or recruitment incentives to employ young people, positioning the proposal as a remedy for the youth job crisis he says has been worsened by Rachel Reeves’s tax policies.. He linked the measure to broader Labour reforms he intends to champion.

Polls show Burnham still ahead, prompting possible coaition talk

Recent polling, as reported by the source, indicates that Andy Burnham would win a landslide against Streeting,prompting speculation that Streeting may seek a role in a Burnham‑led cabinet... Streeting insisted he is not “competing against” Burnham but sees him as a colleague within the party.

Open question: Will the government approve the new drilling licences?

The source does not confirm whether the current Labour government has signalled support for additional North Sea licences , leaving uncertainty about the feasibility of Streeting’s proposal.