Former U.S. President Donald Trump has stated he warned the United Kingdom's new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, that the country is being harmed by an influx of migrants. Trump claimed that people are arriving from "all over the world and just camping out" in the UK.
Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump asserted that Burnham, who recently took office, needs to address the issue, stating, "He's going to have to mention it because it's killing your country." He criticized the previous administration, saying, "I know Starmer did very little about it, and they're coming from all over the world."
Trump specifically mentioned migrants coming from Africa, South America, and "different parts of Asia," describing their arrival as an "invasion of Europe." He indicated that the UK is a primary destination for these migrants.
During his conversation with Burnham, Trump also reportedly discussed energy policy. He indicated that Burnham expressed interest in developing oil resources from the North Sea. Trump, a proponent of fossil fuels, has been a vocal critic of renewable energy sources like wind turbines, which he claims are manufactured in China and signify a nation's decline.
"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," Trump stated. "The new gentleman, when I spoke to him, he said he's going to open up the North Sea. Let's see if that happens."
Following the phone call, which occurred on Burnham's first day in office, Downing Street declined to comment on potential future plans for North Sea drilling. Trump had previously posted on Truth Social that the UK was a "poverty-stricken disaster" and that developing the North Sea could transform it into "one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World."
The Labour Party's 2024 manifesto stated the party would not issue new North Sea licenses, arguing that such action would not lower bills, improve energy security, or address climate change. However, Labour's deputy leader, Lucy Powell, indicated that Burnham would adhere to the party's manifesto commitments while pursuing a "more pragmatic approach." It is understood Burnham believes that supporting further drilling in fields like Rosebank and Jackdaw would not violate the manifesto, as licenses for these areas had already been granted. Powell suggested a "change of emphasis" rather than a policy reversal was expected, though she did not explicitly state whether Burnham would support more drilling.