Trump claims UK is ‘bankrupt’ as he calls for Burnham to resume drilling in the North Sea
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.
In short
- Trump calls UK "bankrupt", urges Burnham to reopen North Sea drilling
- Burnham says he'll take a "pragmatic approach" despite Labour's manifesto pledge
- Jackdaw and Rosebank fields face consultation decisions in August
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of renewed North Sea development argue it would generate substantial economic returns and employment in communities dependent on the industry, whilst providing energy security and independence during the transition to renewables. They contend that ceasing domestic production whilst importing oil and gas from abroad serves neither environmental nor economic interests, and that pragmatic policy requires utilising existing resources responsibly whilst investing in cleaner energy.
The case against
Those opposing new drilling licences emphasise the UK's binding climate commitments and argue that approving projects locks the country into decades of emissions incompatible with net-zero targets. They point out that new licences would redirect investment from renewable and green sectors where job creation is stronger, and that such approvals undermine the credibility of climate pledges to the public and international partners.
Explained simply
The North Sea has been a major source of oil and gas for the UK since the 1960s, supporting jobs and energy supplies. Production has fallen from its peak, and the fields that remain are harder and more costly to develop.
The UK government controls whether companies can explore for new fields through licences and approvals. Labour’s 2024 manifesto promised not to issue new licences, while Andy Burnham has said he would take a pragmatic approach and that oil and gas will remain part of the energy mix.
The debate is about balancing domestic energy production, jobs and reliance on imports with the UK’s climate commitments. Jackdaw and Rosebank are proposed North Sea projects whose approvals are under consideration.
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