Donald Trump has revealed details of his first phone call with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, stating that Burnham told him he would open up the North Sea for oil drilling. The call took place on Burnham's first day in office, July 20, and Trump shared the information from the White House on July 29.
Trump's remarks on the call
Trump told reporters: "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 US president added that Britain has "a huge immigration problem" and an energy problem, criticizing wind turbines as a sign of a "failing country."
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."
Downing Street and Labour's position
Downing Street did not comment on potential future plans for North Sea drilling. Labour's 2024 manifesto had pledged not to issue new North Sea licences. Ed Miliband, who previously held the energy and net zero brief under Sir Keir Starmer and strongly supported the pledge, is now Foreign Secretary.
Trump also raised immigration, saying the new PM "is going to have to mention it because it's killing your country." He claimed people were coming from Africa, South America, and Asia, "invading Europe," with the UK as a prime destination.
