Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Andy Burnham, saying the UK could become "a bankrupt country" unless it ramps up North Sea oil drilling. The US President made the comments while speaking to journalists in the Oval Office, after being questioned by GB News about the UK.
Trump's warning on energy and immigration
Trump declared that Europe was being destroyed by "two things" — immigration and energy. He said: "Look, you have to stop illegal immigration in Europe. I know you're better than anybody, better than the people that run it and have great relationships."
He added: "Two things are killing Europe. Number one is immigration. Number two is energy. When you look at the UK, they have one of the best energy fields in the world, North Sea oil. Now, I think your new Prime Minister is going to actually open it up. From what I hear, I spoke to him and he sounded terrific on this subject."
'You're sitting on top of gold'
Trump cautioned that Britain could become "a bankrupt country" unless it increased drilling, saying: "But if you open it up, you'll be a wealthy country. If you keep it closed, you're going to be a bankrupt country, which is what you are now."
He went on: "Essentially, you're a bankrupt country, but you have one of the greatest energies, the North Sea oil. You know, the UK buys its energy from Norway, who gets the energy from the North Sea? Not as vibrant a part of the North Sea, oil-wise. You're sitting on top of gold. And it's better than gold. And you don't do anything with it. It doesn't work. You don't allow the oil companies in, and it doesn't work."
Phone call with Burnham
Reflecting on his conversation with Burnham, Trump said: "I spoke with your new Prime Minister. I was very impressed." He added: "I said, look, 'You can be a wealthy country or a bankrupt country'." The US President also expressed his belief that they would enjoy a "good relationship".
The leaders spoke shortly after Burnham took office on July 20. During the call, Burnham invited Trump to visit Manchester, while Downing Street reported that they discussed trade, defence, the Middle East and economic growth before agreeing to speak again soon.
