Prime Minister Andy Burnham has suggested that banning VAR could become a key part of Labour's next general election manifesto. The Everton supporter said he dislikes the technology as much as any fan because it "kills the spontaneity" of celebrations.
Burnham's criticism of VAR
Speaking to Ladbible, Burnham explained his frustration with VAR, saying he had initially believed it would make refereeing fairer. "I often believed that other clubs, bigger clubs, Liverpool, Man United, got decisions, whereas Everton, my club, didn't. So refs were a bit more - they tended to give decisions that way, and I thought: 'Oh well, VAR will level things up'," he said.
"But it really hasn't levelled things up in my view. So football, going to the match, is about those moments when the goal goes in and [everyone celebrates]. That's what it's about. But then you do that, and it's VAR checking the goal. You'd accept it if it got the decisions right, but it doesn't get the decisions right."
When asked directly whether he could ban VAR, Burnham replied: "You're putting an idea in my head. You're writing my next manifesto."
Public reaction
The Prime Minister's comments drew a mixed response on social media. One user on X wrote: "Agreed with him on this. VAR has killed the game and brought nothing good. Keep goal line tech but use it for corners and throw-ins...VAR for decisions can go in the bin."
Another countered: "Don't ban VAR, have a word with the blokes watching it. The actual system is outstanding."
Jackdaw gas field approval
The remarks follow confirmation that Burnham has approved drilling in the Jackdaw gas field in the North Sea. The North Sea Transition Authority's decision ends months of uncertainty over the project, with owner Adura claiming it could deliver approximately 6% of UK North Sea gas production.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh, who authorised the NSTA to grant drilling consent, said the move will "support the country's energy security with homegrown gas this winter".
Burnham added that the decision will "protect hundreds of jobs and help keep millions of homes warm", while insisting it would not compromise the Government's renewable energy targets. He said: "At a time when people are really struggling, it's right that we look in a responsible way at maximising the existing energy reserves we have in Britain that could help. We're committed to moving towards renewable energy and reaching net zero by 2050. But even on our ambitious climate path, we'll still require oil and gas as part of our energy needs for decades to come."
The Jackdaw project is one of two fields - along with the Rosebank oil field off Shetland - that received approval from the previous Conservative government.
