CLIMATE activists staged a protest in Westminster today demanding likely next PM Andy Burnham stand against North Sea oil projects.

A banner was unfurled outside Parliament reading “Fossil Fuels? Andy, Don’t Burn’em!” while other placards demanded the incoming government “Stop Rosebank” and “Stop Jackdaw.”

Organisers Fossil Free London (FFL) have begun putting pressure on Mr Burnham, who has yet to make clear whether he will approve the Rosebanks and Jackdaw North Sea oil fields.

Activist Robin Wells warned the Makerfield MP that these new projects “do nothing to lower energy bills” and only drive up fossil fuel profits while increasing “deadly extreme weather” as seen in June’s record-breaking heat waves.

Mr Burnham did not mention drilling in his Monday speech, but previously said he was “open-minded” on the issue.

FFL also pointed to the appointment of James Purnell as Chief of Staff, who has worked as an adviser for BP.