Donald Trump has described the UK as a "bankrupt country" while urging Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reopen North Sea oil and gas drilling, claiming the country would become wealthy if it exploited the resource. Speaking at a press conference, Trump said Burnham had "sounded terrific" on the subject during a recent phone call and suggested the new prime minister was set to loosen restrictions, a claim that sits awkwardly with Labour's 2024 manifesto pledge not to issue new North Sea licences.

Burnham has previously said he would take a "pragmatic approach" to North Sea oil, leaving room for future drilling despite the manifesto commitment, and cited the need to support people who are "struggling". Trump also criticised European immigration policy and claimed Aberdeen had lost its status as Europe's oil capital because "liberals" had "destroyed it". The government faces separate pressure to approve the Jackdaw gas field and Rosebank oilfield, with public consultations running from 10-17 August ahead of a recommendation from the offshore regulator, Opred; energy secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has said oil and gas remain "part of the mix" without confirming further licensing plans.