Trump Calls UK a ‘Poverty-Stricken Disaster’ While Praising Reports of New North Sea Oil Drilling

U.S. President Donald Trump has described the United Kingdom as a “poverty-stricken disaster” while praising reports that incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham is preparing to expand oil and gas exploration in the North Sea.

Writing on his Truth Social platform, Trump welcomed reports suggesting the new government could reverse Labour’s previous commitment against issuing new North Sea drilling licences.

“The people of Aberdeen, in Scotland, are dancing in the streets because the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has stated that he will be opening up, all the way, the invaluable North Sea Oil,” Trump wrote.

The U.S. president described the North Sea as one of the world’s richest sources of high-quality oil and argued that expanding production could dramatically strengthen Britain’s economy.

He claimed the UK could move “from a poverty-stricken disaster to one of the richest countries anywhere in the world” if it fully developed its offshore energy resources. Trump ended his message by declaring, “We love you Scotland.” (The US Sun)

According to recent reports, Burnham is considering allowing new North Sea oil and gas licences, a move that would mark a significant shift from Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which pledged not to issue new exploration licences while honouring existing ones.

Any policy reversal could affect the future of the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields off the Scottish coast. Both projects were approved under the previous Conservative government in 2022 and 2023 before legal challenges resulted in those approvals being overturned in 2025.

Burnham is expected to formally take office as prime minister on Monday, when he will outline his government’s priorities. Energy policy is expected to be among the first major issues facing the new administration, with pressure from both the Conservative Party and Reform UK to expand domestic oil and gas production. (AP News)

Trump has repeatedly urged British leaders to increase North Sea drilling, arguing that the UK should rely more heavily on its own energy resources instead of importing oil and gas from overseas. (Reuters Connect)