Trump Urges Burnham to Open North Sea Drilling Amid Immigration Row
Former US President's call for increased oil and gas extraction clashes with Labour's energy policy, while immigration rhetoric intensifies.
Callum Smith
Donald Trump has pressed Andy Burnham to authorise new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, a move that directly contradicts Labour's stated energy policy.
Andy Burnham declared his intention to adopt a "pragmatic approach" to the North Sea, a stance communicated directly to Donald Trump during a recent phone call.
This commitment comes as Trump has consistently pushed for Britain to exploit its offshore oil reserves, asserting for months that the opening of these fields is crucial for the nation's economic resurgence.
Trump unequivocally stated, "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."
He further claimed, "And I tell you what, I could not get Starmer to use it. It was incredible."
There is a resource there. When people are struggling, we can’t ignore that. Hence, me indicating that to the president.
Burnham acknowledged the undeniable economic imperative, stating, "There is a resource there. When people are struggling, we can’t ignore that. Hence, me indicating that to the president."
Beyond energy, the leaders' discussion also delved into immigration, with Donald Trump voicing strong negative opinions on the influx of migrants into Europe and the UK.
Trump asserted that the UK faces "a huge immigration problem – people coming from all over the world and just camping out in your country."
He added, "They’re coming from Africa, they’re coming from South America, they’re coming from different parts of Asia, and they’re invading Europe."
Pete Hegseth, described as Trump's 'Secretary of War', even drew stark comparisons between migrant crossings and Nazi invasions during a D-Day commemoration speech in Normandy, highlighting the intensity of the rhetoric.
Burnham confirmed progress in reducing migrant crossings over the English Channel but conceded that significant work remains.
He noted, "When it comes to the wider issues around the channel and immigration, obviously there are crossings this week."
He’s got windmills all over the place, and any time you see windmills, you see a failing country.
Beyond energy and immigration, Donald Trump has consistently expressed his vehement opposition to wind turbines, directly linking their proliferation to economic decline.
Trump declared, "He’s got windmills all over the place, and any time you see windmills, you see a failing country."
He further claimed, "They’re made in China; not used by China, but they’re made in China."
Consultations are currently ongoing for two pivotal North Sea projects: the Jackdaw gasfield and the Rosebank oilfield, both poised to reshape the energy landscape.
These critical consultations are scheduled to conclude on August 10 for the Jackdaw gas field and August 17 for the Rosebank oilfield, setting a tight timeline for decision-making.
The Offshore Petroleum Regulator for Environment and Decommissioning (Opred) will issue a definitive recommendation to the UK Government following the conclusion of these consultations.
The controversial Shell-operated Jackdaw gas field could reportedly receive approval within weeks, with a final decision potentially arriving as early as September.
Jackdaw originally secured approval in 2022, but its consent was quashed by the Court of Session in 2023 due to an inadequate climate impact assessment.
Developer Adura, a joint venture between Shell and Equinor, submitted a revised environmental assessment, with its consultation window closing on August 10.
Miatta Fahnbulleh, the current Energy Secretary, previously issued a stark warning against approving new oil fields, signaling potential internal friction within the government's energy strategy.
Ed Miliband previously held responsibility for the energy and net zero brief under Sir Keir Starmer, a role now critically held by Fahnbulleh, marking a significant shift in leadership on this vital portfolio.