US President Donald Trump has weighed into the debate over North Sea oil and gas drilling, claiming that people will be «dancing in the streets» after reports that UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham will back new exploration. The comments, made on social media, come amid growing speculation that Mr Burnham is preparing to announce a significant shift in energy policy.
Mr Trump, who has long been a vocal supporter of fossil fuel extraction, said the expected decision would stop Britain from becoming a «poverty stricken disaster». He added that the move would be welcomed by the British public, who he claimed are «fed up with the green nonsense» that has dominated policy in recent years.
The US President's intervention follows reports that Mr Burnham, the former Greater Manchester Mayor who recently became Prime Minister, is set to approve new drilling licenses in the North Sea. The decision would mark a major departure from the previous government's commitment to net-zero emissions and a transition away from fossil fuels.
Mr Burnham is expected to meet the King on Monday to be invited to form a new government, according to reports. The meeting will formalise his position as Prime Minister after a period of political upheaval that saw the previous administration collapse. His appointment has already sparked debate about the direction of UK energy policy.
The reported decision to back new North Sea drilling has drawn sharp reactions from environmental groups and political opponents. Critics argue that it undermines the UK's climate commitments and could damage the country's international reputation as a leader in the fight against climate change. Supporters, however, say it is necessary to ensure energy security and protect jobs in the oil and gas sector.
The North Sea has been a key source of UK energy for decades, but production has declined in recent years as older fields have been decommissioned. The industry employs tens of thousands of people, many of whom are based in Scotland and the north-east of England. Any new drilling would be likely to create jobs and boost local economies, but would also face legal challenges from environmental campaigners.
Mr Trump's comments have added a transatlantic dimension to the debate. The US President has made no secret of his support for fossil fuels, having rolled back environmental regulations and promoted domestic oil and gas production during his time in office. His intervention in UK energy policy is unusual, but reflects the close relationship between the two countries.
The UK government has not yet confirmed the reported decision, and Mr Burnham's office has declined to comment on the speculation. However, sources close to the Prime Minister have indicated that an announcement could come within days. The move would be one of the first major policy decisions of his premiership.
The debate over North Sea drilling is part of a wider global conversation about the balance between energy security and climate action. The UK has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, but the war in Ukraine and subsequent energy price spikes have led some politicians to question the pace of the transition. Mr Burnham's reported decision suggests he is prioritising short-term energy needs over long-term climate goals.
Environmental groups have vowed to fight any new drilling, with legal challenges and protests expected. Greenpeace UK described the reported decision as a «betrayal» of the UK's climate commitments, while Friends of the Earth said it would be a «disaster for the planet». The oil and gas industry, meanwhile, has welcomed the news, arguing that domestic production is essential for energy independence.
The political fallout from the decision is likely to be significant. Mr Burnham's own Labour Party is divided on the issue, with some MPs supporting new drilling and others calling for a faster transition to renewable energy. The Conservative Party, now in opposition, has accused Mr Burnham of «flip-flopping» on energy policy, while the Liberal Democrats have called for a ban on all new North Sea licenses.
Mr Trump's claim that people will be «dancing in the streets» may be an exaggeration, but it reflects the high stakes involved. The decision on North Sea drilling will be closely watched by investors, environmentalists, and foreign governments alike. For Mr Burnham, it represents an early test of his leadership and his ability to navigate the complex politics of energy policy.
As the UK prepares for a new chapter under Mr Burnham, the debate over North Sea oil and gas is likely to intensify. Whether the reported decision goes ahead or not, it has already sparked a conversation about the country's energy future that will continue for years to come.
