By Open Chronicle News Desk with Agencies
Trump reveals details of first conversation with Britain’s new prime minister
U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told him the United Kingdom intends to “open up North Sea oil,” a move Trump argued could restore Britain’s economic strength.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Wednesday, Trump disclosed details of his first telephone conversation with Burnham, which took place on July 20, the day the Labour leader entered Downing Street following his election victory.
According to Trump, Burnham expressed support for expanding North Sea oil production during their discussion and invited the U.S. president to visit Manchester.
“He said he’s going to open up North Sea oil. If he does that, you’re going to be a wealthy country,” Trump said.
Downing Street declines to confirm policy shift
Despite Trump’s remarks, Downing Street declined to comment on whether the new government intends to change Britain’s existing policy on North Sea oil and gas exploration.
The comments have drawn attention because Labour’s 2024 general election manifesto pledged not to issue new licences for oil and gas exploration in the North Sea as part of its climate strategy.
Former Energy Secretary Ed Miliband, who strongly supported that commitment under former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, now serves as Foreign Secretary in Burnham’s government.
No official announcement has been made suggesting a reversal of Labour’s previous position.
Reporter: Is Andy Burnham the man to lead the UK to excellence?
Trump: He did say one very good thing. He said he was going to open up the North Sea oil.
If he does that, you are going to be a wealthy country. pic.twitter.com/f1oeR1BJQB
— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 29, 2026
Trump renews criticism of renewable energy
Trump, who has consistently promoted fossil fuel production throughout his political career, used the opportunity to renew his criticism of wind energy.
The U.S. president argued that Britain faces both an energy crisis and an immigration crisis, blaming what he described as an overreliance on wind power.
“They have two problems. They have a huge immigration problem… and they’ve got an energy problem. They’ve got windmills all over the place, and any time you see windmills, you see a failing country.”
Trump also repeated longstanding criticisms of wind turbines, noting that many are manufactured in China while claiming China itself relies less heavily on the technology.
His opposition to wind farms has been well documented, including an unsuccessful legal challenge against a wind turbine development visible from his golf course in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
North Sea resources remain central to debate
The North Sea continues to hold significant reserves of oil and natural gas, making it a recurring issue in Britain’s discussions over energy security, economic growth and climate policy.
Trump argued that Britain possesses one of the world’s most valuable energy resources and has failed to take full advantage of it.
“You have your own oil and gas. If you use the North Sea, the UK will be a really rich country.”
He contrasted Burnham’s reported position with that of former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, claiming he had previously urged Starmer to increase domestic oil production without success.
“I could not get Starmer to use it. It was incredible.”
Immigration also raised during discussion
Trump said immigration was another major topic during his conversation with Burnham, arguing that Britain’s new leader would have little choice but to address the issue.
According to Trump, illegal migration is placing increasing pressure on the United Kingdom and wider Europe.
“He’s going to have to mention it because it’s killing your country.”
The president claimed migrants were arriving from Africa, South America and parts of Asia, describing Europe as facing mounting migration pressures while suggesting Britain remains a major destination.
Political implications
Trump’s comments are likely to fuel debate over the future direction of Britain’s energy policy and raise questions about whether the Burnham government could reconsider Labour’s previous commitment to halt new North Sea oil and gas licences.
For now, however, the British government has not confirmed any policy change, leaving uncertainty over whether Trump’s account reflects future government plans or simply his interpretation of their conversation.
The issue is expected to remain politically sensitive as Britain seeks to balance energy security, economic growth and its long-term climate commitments.