Donald Trump has issued a 'we love you Scotland' message claiming that incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham will open up the North Sea to new oil drilling. The Republican made the prediction amid speculation that Burnham could abandon Keir Starmer's opposition to exploring new oil fields.
Trump's Social Media Post
In a social media post, Trump declared without citing evidence that a U-turn is imminent: '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: '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!'
Background on UK Oil Policy
The Labour manifesto in 2024 pledged to issue no new licences but to honour existing ones. Starmer's stance has angered the industry and unions, who believe the opposition is creating a jobs nightmare in the North East of Scotland. Trump is also famously in favour of oil and gas and opposed to offshore windfarms.
It has been widely reported that Burnham may rethink or tweak the Starmer policy. Two oil and gas fields in Scotland—Rosebank and Jackdaw—were approved by regulators in 2022 and 2023 but were overturned in 2025 after a legal challenge.
Trump's Criticism of Windfarms
Trump also claimed: 'Britain pays Norway Billions of Dollars a year to buy its Oil, which they get from a less valuable part of the North Sea — How ridiculous is that! Also, word is that the UK is going to move the old and horrible looking windmills, which loom over and destroy the City of Aberdeen.'
He concluded: 'That will be a big day for the Country, and will be very much appreciated by everybody. Such great potential in the UK, but it all starts with OPENING NORTH SEA OIL. WE LOVE YOU SCOTLAND! President DONALD J. TRUMP.'
Burnham's Transition to Power
Burnham, who became Labour leader on Friday, will be given the keys to Downing Street on Monday after meeting the King. The incoming PM has not publicly commented on Trump's claims, but speculation continues over potential changes to energy policy.
