During a White House briefing, President Trump announced that UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham had told him he would permit oil drilling in the North Sea. Trump emphasised the economic benefits, arguing that substantial oil reserves estimated at 700 years' worth lie beneath the seabed and that exploiting them would make the UK considerably wealthier. He also noted that he had previously urged former Prime Minister Keir Starmer to pursue similar drilling but was unsuccessful in gaining support for the policy.

The claim follows a phone conversation between Trump and Burnham last Monday, though the official government summary released by Downing Street contained no reference to oil or drilling. Prior reports had suggested the new prime minister would support expanded oil and gas exploration in the North Sea, a stance that apparently improved Burnham's standing with Trump. The gap between Trump's public account and the UK government's official readout leaves ambiguity about the specific details of their discussion.