Donald Trump Urges UK to Expand North Sea Oil Drilling

President Donald Trump urged the United Kingdom to expand North Sea oil drilling during a speech at the White House on August 3, 2026. Trump characterized the UK as a "bankrupt country" for relying on wind energy, which he described as "loser" technology. He asserted that the UK is "sitting on top of gold" and claimed that exploiting these reserves could provide energy for a millennium.

Following a phone call with Trump, Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated he would take a "pragmatic approach" toward North Sea resources, stating the UK "can't ignore" them. This position suggests a potential departure from the Labour Party's 2024 manifesto pledge to stop issuing new oil and gas licenses. The shift comes as the government faces pressure to approve the Rosebank and Jackdaw fields.

Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh supported the narrative that oil and gas are "part of the mix" and noted that existing licenses can be exploited, though she did not confirm plans for new extraction sites. In addition to energy critiques, Trump attacked European immigration and wind power as the two primary factors "killing Europe."