US President Donald Trump has claimed that people in Aberdeen will be 'dancing in the streets' following reports that incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham could back new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump said Burnham had stated he would open up the North Sea Oil 'all the way.'
Trump's Comments on North Sea Drilling
Trump wrote: '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!' He added that further drilling would 'make the United Kingdom, from a Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World.' The president also attacked wind power, suggesting the UK would 'move the old and horrible looking windmills, which loom over and destroy the City of Aberdeen.'
Burnham's Stance and Labour's Manifesto
Burnham, who is set to take office on Monday, has not confirmed the reports. Labour's 2024 manifesto, which Burnham has promised to honour, stated that the party would not issue new North Sea licences, arguing they would 'not take a penny off bills' or improve energy security while accelerating climate change. However, the incoming prime minister is said to be 'open-minded' about the policy, and could approve projects at the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields, where licences have already been granted, without breaking the manifesto pledge.
Labour Deputy Leader's Comments
Labour's deputy leader Lucy Powell said on Sunday that Burnham would stick to the party's manifesto commitments while pursuing a 'more pragmatic approach.' She told the BBC she was not expecting a 'change of policy' but 'more a change of emphasis.' Powell would not confirm whether Burnham would back more drilling.
