UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he will take a 'pragmatic' approach to oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, acknowledging the resource's importance as people struggle with energy costs. Burnham made the remarks after a conversation with US President Donald Trump on his first day in office. Trump later claimed Burnham said he would 'open up' North Sea oil, but the UK's official summary of the call made no mention of such a promise. Burnham stated the government could not ignore the North Sea's potential energy resources given the current economic pressures. The comments signal a shift in tone on fossil fuel extraction, though Burnham did not specify any new policies. The exchange highlights the tension between environmental commitments and energy security concerns.