Trump brands UK ‘poverty-stricken disaster’ in new message about Burnham | World | News
Donald Trump has praised Andy Burnham, who will become Prime Minister of the country on Monday, for “stating” he will “open up all the way” the North Sea oil – something the new Labour leader hasn’t yet done. In a lengthy message shared on Truth Social, the US President also branded the UK a “poverty-stricken disaster” – with the potential to become one of the richest country in the world.
Mr Trump claimed the people of Aberdeen were “dancing in the streets” over Mr Burnham’s stance on North Sea oil, as he hailed what he described as one of the world’s greatest sources of quality oil. He wrote: “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!” The President continued: “It is one of the Greatest Sources of quality Oil on Earth, has hundreds of years of Capacity left, with much not even found yet, and will make the United Kingdom, from a Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World!”
Mr Trump also claimed Britain pays Norway “Billions of Dollars a year” to buy its oil, which he said comes from “a less valuable part of the North Sea”, adding: “How ridiculous is that!”
He then turned his attention to wind power, claiming that “word is” the UK is going to remove wind turbines around Aberdeen.
Mr Trump wrote: “Also, word is that the UK is going to move the old and horrible looking windmills, which loom over and destroy the City of Aberdeen.
“That will be a big day for the Country, and will be very much appreciated by everybody.”
However, the President did not provide further details about the claim or specify which wind turbines he was referring to.
Mr Trump ended his message by declaring: “Such great potential in the UK, but it all starts with OPENING NORTH SEA OIL. WE LOVE YOU SCOTLAND!”
The US President has long pushed for Britain to expand drilling for oil and gas in the North Sea and repeatedly criticised Sir Keir Starmer over his government’s decision not to issue new exploration licences.
He has also previously claimed that oil companies had approached him about the possibility of opening up the North Sea.
Mr Burnham has committed to the 2024 Labour manifesto but has strongly hinted that he will examine whether North Sea oil and gas could play a greater role in the UK’s energy mix.
However, he has not said that his government will issue new oil and gas licences or pledged to open up the North Sea “all the way”, despite Mr Trump’s assertion.
Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell said reports that Mr Burnham could allow more North Sea drilling were “speculation”, but suggested the incoming Prime Minister would take a “more pragmatic approach”.
She stressed that North Sea oil and gas remained an “important part” of the UK’s energy transition and future energy mix.
Ms Powell added: “I don’t think it’s a change of policy. It’s more a change of emphasis.”
