Donald Trump weighs into row over North Sea oil drilling hours before Burnham becomes PM

Donald Trump has weighed in on rumors of controversial new drilling in the North Sea, claiming Andy Burnham will open the oil fields “all the way”.

In the intervention, hours before the new prime minister was due to enter Downing Street, the US president, a strong supporter of fossil fuels who has repeatedly rejected the scientifically supported evidence behind the climate crisis, said the move would prevent Britain from turning into a “poverty-ridden disaster”.

Mr Burnham has previously insisted Labor will stick to its manifesto not to grant new North Sea licences. But he also refused to deny reports that he was considering approving the new production.

Mr Trump said on the Truth Social platform: “The people of Aberdeen in Scotland are dancing in the streets because the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced that he will open up the priceless North Sea Oil!”

The comments mark the beginning of what could be a tumultuous four-year relationship with Britain’s fifth prime minister.

In his first speech to Downing Street on Monday, Mr Burnham will call for stability in government, arguing that “the unprecedented change in national leadership has underlined the need for more stable and responsible politics”.

He took office at a time when there was increasing speculation about cabinet choices and questions about what policies would form the government plan.

While his move to power has been thin on details so far, he is understood to be keen to unveil a range of policies as part of an attempt to reset the dial and capitalize on what is expected to be a short honeymoon period.

Mr Burnham is not thought to have met Mr Trump before taking over as prime minister, but the US president has repeatedly criticized Sir Keir Starmer’s approach to energy.

Mr. Trump wrote in his social media post: “[The North Sea] It is one of the Largest Resources of Quality Oil in the World, with Capacity hundreds of years old, much of it yet to be found, and will transform the UK from a Poverty-Face Disaster to one of the Richest Countries anywhere on Earth!

“Britain pays Norway Billions of Dollars a year to buy its Oil from a less valuable part of the North Sea – How ridiculous is this!”

In his latest attack on wind energy, the president claimed the UK would “move the old and terrible-looking windmills that are destroying the City of Aberdeen”.

This comes despite Labor deputy leader Lucy Powell saying there would be no cuts to the party’s manifesto under Mr Burnham, instead calling plans for the North Sea a “change of emphasis” as she weighs approving more oil and gas drilling.

Labour’s 2024 manifesto, which the Makerfield MP has promised to deliver, claimed the party would not issue new North Sea licences, “cut a penny off bills” or improve energy security while accelerating climate change. However, the new prime minister is now said to be “open-minded” about this policy.

Mr Burnham may argue that he has not broken his manifesto commitment by approving projects at the Jackdaw and Rosebank sites, where licenses have already been issued.

Ms Powell told the BBC: “I think what Andy is talking about is taking a more pragmatic approach and working with the industry to make sure it can contribute to that transition and the mix that is needed in the long term.

“So let’s see what he has to say about that. But I don’t think it’s a change of policy. It’s more of a change of emphasis.”

Meanwhile, Mr Burnham announced plans to scrap Sir Keir’s flagship digital ID programme, describing the move as a “reset of priorities” as money earmarked for implementing digital ID would be redirected towards more “tangible” improvements in people’s lives.

Kemi Badenoch criticized Mr Burnham for not revealing more of his plans before Monday, describing his comments so far as “posh fairy stuff”. The Conservative leader told the BBC: Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg He thought Mr Burnham was more of a “people pleaser” than someone who would make “tough decisions”.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is expected to be chosen as Mr Burnham’s chancellor over the soft left’s preferred Ed Miliband – but The Independent Reports that his appointment was imminent had already caused tensions among his supporters on the left over his past support for tax and welfare cuts.