Senior aides to former President Donald Trump have privately communicated concerns about Ed Miliband potentially being appointed as chancellor, according to reports. These officials reportedly informed Labour figures and British counterparts that they are apprehensive about Miliband's opposition to new oil and gas drilling licenses in the North Sea. The U.S. officials are understood to view this ban as ideologically driven and believe the funds generated from lifting it could be redirected to defense spending.
A government source told The Times that the Trump administration has made its concerns clear regarding Miliband's potential role, specifically citing his environmental agenda and views on North Sea oil. A U.S. official has confirmed that these concerns have been raised.
Andy Burnham, who is expected to enter Downing Street on July 20, stated on Thursday that a decision on the chancellor appointment has not yet been made, though Miliband is considered a leading contender. Miliband and Burnham, who served together in cabinet during the New Labour era, share a long-standing political alliance.
Trump has previously been critical of the UK's Net Zero initiatives, questioning why the UK would not open the North Sea for new oil and gas extraction while Europe faces energy shortages. In April, he urged Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to adopt his "drill, baby, drill" approach, calling their stance "absolutely crazy."
Trump also criticized the UK's renewable energy efforts, specifically mentioning windmills, in comments about Britain's approach to energy transition. Burnham has previously expressed openness to new drilling in the North Sea, a position supported by some Labour MPs and unions.
Burnham is expected to announce his choice for chancellor before taking office. The relationship between Trump and Burnham remains to be seen, as Trump has previously described Burnham as the "mayor of a town" and "extremely liberal," suggesting Burnham might not support opening up the North Sea.
Burnham has had a critical stance toward Trump in the past. During Trump's first term, Burnham stated he would not meet him if he visited Manchester and called for the cancellation of his 2017 state visit, citing Trump's online sharing of "hateful extremist material." Following the January 2021 U.S. Capitol riots, Burnham suggested that any British politician who had engaged with Trump should be "ashamed."