Donald Trump has claimed that Prime Minister Andy Burnham told him during a phone call that he would “open up North Sea oil.” Speaking at the White House, the US president said that if Burnham follows through, the UK would “be a wealthy country.”
Immigration Warning
Trump also warned that immigration is “killing” Britain, with “people coming from all over the world and just camping out.” He argued Burnham would have to address the issue, adding that under former PM Keir Starmer “very little” was done.
No Comment from Downing Street
Following the call on Burnham’s first day in office, Downing Street declined to comment on potential future plans for North Sea drilling after Trump talked up a policy change.
Trump, a vocal fossil fuel supporter who has long railed against “windmills,” lost a legal battle with the Scottish Government to stop a wind turbine development visible from his Aberdeenshire golf course.
Labour Manifesto Pledge
Labour’s 2024 manifesto said the party would not issue new North Sea licences. Referring to his conversation with Burnham, Trump said: “Well, he did say one very good thing. He said he’s going to open up North Sea oil. If he does that, you’re going to be a wealthy country.”
The president added: “They have two problems. They have a huge immigration problem – people coming from all over the world and just camping out in your country. He’s got that problem, and he’s got an energy problem.”
Trump on Wind Turbines
“He’s got windmills all over the place, and any time you see windmills, you see a failing country. They’re made in China, not used by China, but they’re made in China,” Trump said.
He went on: “You have one of the most valuable oil finds anywhere in the world, and if the United Kingdom would use it, they’d be a wealthy country again. And I tell you what, I could not get Starmer to use it. It was incredible.”
Trump reiterated: “You have your own oil and gas. If you use the North Sea, the UK will be a really rich country. I cannot get the point across. The new gentleman, when I spoke to him, he said he’s going to open up the North Sea. Let’s see if that happens.”
The president also argued Burnham would have to tackle immigration, saying: “He’s going to have to mention it because it’s killing your country. I know Starmer did very little about it, and they’re coming from all over the world. They’re coming from Africa, they’re coming from South America, they’re coming from different parts of Asia, and they’re invading Europe.” He indicated the UK was a “prime” destination.
