West Wing star Bradley Whitford is among the top names expected to appear in a new political thriller for the BBC.

Whitford, who also boasts Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip among his acting credits, will be joined by Neve Campbell and Spooks actor Rupert Penry-Jones for the two-part drama Burn Up.

Simon Beaufoy has written the thriller, with filming due to start in Calgary this month.

To be screened on BBC2 next year, Burn Up will focus on the clashing interests of the oil industry, politics and environmental campaigners.

It will feature the representatives on either side as they attend a summit on climate change.

The independent producer responsible for Spooks and Life on Mars, Kudos Films and Television, will produce the drama with Seven24 Films and Canada’s Global Television.

‘Burn UP is a highly authored piece wholly of this unique moment in time,’ said Lucy Richer, the BBC’s commissioning editor for drama.

‘The exciting mix of US, Canadian and UK talent, the awesome backdrop of the Canadian wilds, combined with Simon’s taut and provocative script makes for an epic proposition.’