Former US President Donald Trump has dramatically intervened in British energy politics, issuing a stark warning to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to reverse his ban on new North Sea oil and gas licences.
In explosive comments that have sent shockwaves through Westminster, Trump declared that pursuing renewable energy alone was an "expensive joke" that would leave British households vulnerable to soaring bills and energy insecurity.
'Drill Baby Drill': Trump's Energy Solution for Britain
The Republican presidential candidate resurrected his famous "drill baby drill" mantra, arguing that maximising domestic fossil fuel production was the only sensible approach to ensure energy affordability and national security.
"Keir Starmer is making a catastrophic mistake by turning off Britain's energy taps," Trump stated. "The North Sea should be pumping wealth into British homes, not creating dependency on foreign energy."
Wind Power Branded 'Expensive Joke'
In a scathing assessment of renewable energy, Trump dismissed wind power as fundamentally unreliable and costly, claiming it could never meet Britain's energy demands alone.
"These ridiculous windmills are an expensive joke that taxpayers are forced to subsidise," he asserted. "When the wind doesn't blow, the lights go out - it's that simple."
Pressure Mounts on Starmer's Energy Strategy
The intervention comes as the Labour government faces growing criticism over its energy strategy, with concerns mounting about:
- Potential job losses in Scotland's energy sector
- Increased reliance on energy imports from volatile regions
- Higher consumer bills due to limited domestic supply
- National security risks from foreign energy dependence
Industry experts have warned that without new North Sea investment, Britain could become increasingly dependent on liquefied natural gas imports from Qatar and the United States, potentially costing consumers billions more annually.
Political Earthquake from Across the Atlantic
Trump's unexpected intervention in UK energy policy has created both embarrassment and opportunity for the government. While Downing Street has traditionally resisted foreign commentary on domestic policy, the timing amid a cost-of-living crisis makes the remarks particularly potent.
Energy analysts suggest that Trump's comments, while politically charged, highlight genuine concerns about energy security that are being debated in energy departments across Europe.
The government now faces increased pressure to justify its energy transition timeline and demonstrate how it will protect consumers from price spikes while pursuing its net-zero ambitions.
