Former President Donald Trump described the United Kingdom as a "poverty-stricken disaster" in a social media post, while also expressing approval for potential new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.
Trump's remarks on his Truth Social platform were in response to reports that the new leader of the Labour Party, Andy Burnham, might approve additional drilling. Trump stated that Burnham "would be opening up, all the way, the invaluable North Sea Oil!" He suggested that this move would transform the United Kingdom "from a Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World."
Trump, a proponent of fossil fuels, also commented on wind turbines off the coast of Aberdeen, Scotland, where his golf course is located. He reiterated past criticisms, calling them "some of the ugliest you've ever seen" and suggesting the government should "move the old and horrible looking windmills."
Reports indicate that Burnham is open-minded regarding new drilling, potentially in the Scottish Rosebank and Jackdaw fields. This stance is seen as a departure from the Labour Party's 2024 manifesto, which stated the party would not issue new North Sea licenses, arguing it would not lower bills, improve energy security, or would accelerate climate change.
Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, stated that Burnham would adhere to the party's manifesto commitments but would "pursue a more pragmatic approach." She suggested a "change of emphasis" rather than a policy reversal. It is understood that Burnham believes backing further drilling in areas where licenses were previously granted would not violate the manifesto.
Regulators had approved oil exploration at the Rosebank and Jackdaw sites in 2022 and 2023 under the previous Conservative government, but these efforts were later overturned following a legal challenge.
Burnham's reported openness contrasts with Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who has been a vocal opponent of new North Sea licenses. Miliband previously characterized the decision to grant a license for the Rosebank field as "climate vandalism."
Recent pressure from Conservative and Reform UK parties, citing energy price concerns influenced by conflicts such as the war in Iran, has urged the government to approve new licenses. Sources suggest that Jonathan Reynolds, tipped for Business Secretary, might oversee Britain's energy policy, potentially shifting it from Miliband's department.