New British Prime Minister Pleases Trump

President Donald Trump is celebrating reports that Britain’s new prime minister could reverse one of Labour’s signature energy policies by expanding North Sea oil and gas production. If approved, the move would mark one of the first major policy decisions of the new government and could significantly reshape the United Kingdom’s approach to energy, jobs, and economic growth.

Trump praised the reports in a Truth Social post on Sunday, arguing that increased domestic energy production could strengthen Britain’s economy while reducing its dependence on foreign energy sources.

“The people of Aberdeen are dancing in the streets,” Trump wrote, adding that expanded North Sea drilling could transform Britain “from a poverty-stricken disaster into one of the richest countries anywhere in the world.”

The president’s comments came as Andy Burnham prepares to become Britain’s new prime minister on Monday after securing overwhelming support from Labour lawmakers to replace Keir Starmer as party leader.

New Prime Minister Weighs Major Energy Policy Shift

According to multiple British media reports, Burnham is taking what supporters describe as a more practical approach to Britain’s energy future by considering whether to move forward with production at the already licensed Jackdaw and Rosebank oil and gas fields.

Because both projects have already received licenses, allowing production to begin would increase domestic oil and gas output without technically issuing new exploration permits—a key distinction from Labour’s 2024 campaign pledge to stop granting new North Sea drilling licenses.

The reported discussions have fueled speculation that Burnham could adopt a more balanced energy strategy focused on both economic growth and environmental goals.

During an appearance on the BBC’s Sunday, Deputy Labour Leader Lucy Powell indicated that the incoming prime minister intends to take a more practical approach by working with Britain’s energy sector while continuing the country’s long-term transition to cleaner sources of energy.

Powell stated Burnham is looking at a more pragmatic approach that allows the industry to play a meaningful role in Britain’s future energy mix while supporting the transition to lower-emission energy sources.

Meanwhile, Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband, one of Labour’s strongest advocates for limiting new fossil fuel development, has not publicly commented on the reports.

Britain’s Domestic Energy Production Has Declined

Supporters of expanding North Sea drilling argue Britain still possesses enormous untapped energy resources that could help strengthen national energy security while reducing reliance on imported oil and natural gas.

Industry data illustrate how sharply exploration has slowed in recent years.

According to analysis cited by Oilfield Technology, no exploration wells were drilled on the U.K. Continental Shelf during 2025—the first time that has happened since North Sea development began in the 1960s.

Energy industry leaders say the slowdown has reduced investment while increasing Britain’s dependence on imported energy.

Offshore Energies UK estimates that several billion barrels of recoverable oil and natural gas remain beneath the North Sea and argues those resources could continue supplying Britain’s energy needs through at least 2050.

Supporters also contend that producing more energy at home would help protect jobs, strengthen energy independence, and reduce exposure to international supply disruptions.

Conservatives Push for More North Sea Drilling

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has made expanding domestic energy production a central part of her platform through her “Get Britain Drilling” campaign.

Her proposal calls for ending the current drilling moratorium, eliminating the windfall tax on energy producers, and encouraging additional investment in Britain’s oil and natural gas industry.

Supporters argue those policies would help create high-paying jobs, increase government revenue, improve long-term energy security, and reduce dependence on foreign imports.

Environmental advocates remain strongly opposed.

Green Party co-leader Adrian Ramsay urged Burnham not to abandon one of Labour’s signature campaign commitments by approving additional North Sea oil and gas production.

The debate highlights the growing challenge facing governments across Europe as leaders attempt to balance climate goals with rising energy costs, economic competitiveness, and national security concerns.

Trump’s View of Burnham Has Changed

Trump’s enthusiastic response represents a noticeable shift from his earlier assessment of Burnham.

Before Burnham secured Labour’s leadership, Trump expressed skepticism that the longtime Labour politician would support expanding domestic energy production.

At the time, Trump remarked that Burnham was “extremely liberal” and predicted he would likely keep restrictions on North Sea drilling in place.

Sunday’s comments suggest Trump now believes the incoming prime minister may be willing to reconsider Labour’s previous position.

Trump also renewed his long-running criticism of offshore wind development near Aberdeen, claiming he had heard Britain planned to remove wind turbines in the area. As of now, no official announcement has been made confirming such a proposal.

The president has opposed offshore wind projects near Aberdeen for years, including a lengthy legal challenge against the European Offshore Wind Deployment Centre. Britain’s Supreme Court ultimately rejected Trump’s final appeal in 2015.

A Defining Decision for Britain’s New Government

Burnham is expected to use his first speech outside Downing Street to outline plans aimed at easing the cost-of-living crisis, boosting regional economic growth, and improving Britain’s long-term economic outlook.

However, his decision on North Sea oil and gas production could quickly become one of the defining tests of his new administration.

Supporters believe expanding domestic drilling would strengthen Britain’s energy independence, support thousands of skilled jobs, encourage new investment, and reduce reliance on imported energy at a time of continued global uncertainty.

Critics argue approving additional fossil fuel projects would conflict with Labour’s previous climate commitments and slow the country’s transition toward cleaner energy.

Whatever Burnham ultimately decides, the outcome is expected to shape Britain’s energy policy for years to come and will be closely watched by political leaders, energy companies, investors, and international allies alike.