US President Donald Trump has branded the United Kingdom a "poverty-stricken disaster" in a social media post about potential new North Sea oil and gas drilling. Writing on Truth Social on Sunday, July 20, Trump claimed that the UK's new Labour leader, Andy Burnham, would "be opening up, all the way, the invaluable North Sea Oil!"
Trump's Message to Burnham
Trump's post read: "The People of Aberdeen, in Scotland, are dancing in the streets because the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has stated that he will be opening up, all the way, the invaluable North Sea Oil! It is one of the Greatest Sources of quality Oil on Earth, has hundreds of years of Capacity left, with much not even found yet, and will make the United Kingdom, from a Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World!"
Trump, an avid supporter of fossil fuels, made the remarks after reports emerged that a new drilling plan in the North Sea could be approved. However, Burnham has not confirmed the reports. Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, said on Sunday that Burnham would stick to the party's manifesto commitments on North Sea drilling but would "pursue a more pragmatic approach."
Charities Warn Against New Drilling
Just days earlier, The Mirror reported that approving new drilling licences in the North Sea would damage UK security and hurt families struggling with the cost of living, according to charities. In a major intervention, 19 groups including Oxfam and Greenpeace wrote to the incoming prime minister expressing "alarm" at reports he might water down the UK's focus on renewables.
In a speech in Downing Street on Monday, Burnham is expected to set out plans to provide "breathing space" on the cost of living and bring economic growth to every part of the UK.
Labour's Previous Stance
In 2024, Labour said it would not issue new North Sea licences, arguing that doing so would "not take a penny off bills" or improve energy security while accelerating climate change. But Burnham is said to be "open-minded" about the policy. It is understood Burnham believes he would not breach the manifesto by backing further drilling in the Scottish Rosebank and Jackdaw fields because licences had already been granted there.
Powell did not say whether Burnham would support more drilling but said she expected a "change of emphasis" rather than a "change of policy."
Pressure from Conservatives and Reform UK
The US war in Iran has rocked oil markets, and the Conservatives and Reform UK parties have put pressure on the Labour government to approve new licences. Thousands of jobs depend on Scotland's North Sea oil and gas industry, according to reports.
