Trump Urges UK to Exploit North Sea Oil, Citing Economic Ruin Without It
Former US President's call with Prime Minister Burnham highlights differing energy strategies amid ongoing field consultations.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Carla Rooney
Donald Trump recently spoke with Prime Minister Andy Burnham by phone.
Trump addressed reporters in the Oval Office, asserting Europe grappled with two critical issues: immigration and energy. He declared, "Two things are killing Europe. Number one is immigration. Number two is energy."
The former President further claimed the UK possesses significant North Sea oil reserves, describing them as "one of the best energy fields in the world." He argued the UK is "sitting on top of gold, better than gold, and you don’t do anything with it."
You open it up, you’ll be a wealthy country. You keep it closed, you’re going to be a bankrupt country, which is what you are now. Essentially, you’re a bankrupt country.
Trump also claimed the new Prime Minister would "actually open up North Sea oil drilling." He stated, "I spoke to him, and he sounded terrific on this subject."
He warned that opening North Sea drilling would make the UK a wealthy country; keeping it closed would lead to bankruptcy. Trump asserted, "You open it up, you’ll be a wealthy country. You keep it closed, you’re going to be a bankrupt country, which is what you are now. Essentially, you’re a bankrupt country."
He additionally claimed the UK endures among the highest energy prices globally, which could be halved by opening the North Sea. Trump suggested these reserves could last for 500 to 1,000 years.
Trump, a vocal opponent of wind turbine developments, reiterated his stance. He stated, "Any country with windmills is a loser. Okay, you just have to look."
Any country with windmills is a loser. Okay, you just have to look.
Miatta Fahnbulleh has confirmed oil and gas will remain 'part of the mix' in the UK's energy strategy. Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicates a pragmatic approach to North Sea resources, acknowledging they cannot be ignored.
Consultations for the Jackdaw gas field and Rosebank oilfield are currently underway, with recommendations expected after August 10 and August 17, respectively. These discussions unfold against the backdrop of Labour's 2024 manifesto, which committed to not issuing new North Sea licences.