Trump says he was critical of UK PM over North Sea oil drilling, NATO stance
Washington DC, June 23
US President Donald Trump on Monday said he had been critical of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer before his resignation as Labour Party leader, citing disagreements over energy policy and NATO-related decisions, including restrictions on North Sea oil drilling.
Speaking during a signing ceremony of two Executive Orders on quantum technology at the White House Oval Office, Trump said he had raised concerns with the UK leadership over what he described as missed opportunities in the energy sector.
"I was critical of him only because, as I told him, 'You're really messing up energy. You have windmills all over the place. In the meantime, you have the North Sea oil, and they won't let anybody drill," Trump said.
He further claimed that parts of the North Sea had significant untapped potential but were being left unexploited due to environmental concerns.
"The UK has a much better portion of the North Sea. They don't want to do it for environmental purposes," he said.
Trump also criticised the UK PM's approach to NATO-related cooperation, alleging that certain decisions had strained coordination with the United States.
"He was not good to us with NATO. He said, 'We can't use the island' for a couple of weeks. Then he said, 'Well, but ultimately I gave it to you.' No, that was a bad move. That hurt him badly, but I wish him well," he said.
The US President further said the UK faces broader domestic challenges, adding, "But he's got two problems. Energy and immigration. And crime."
Trump's remarks come after the UK Prime Minister announced his resignation as the leader of the Labour Party amid a challenge from new Labour legislator Andy Burnham.
"Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party," he said in a statement on Monday.
Starmer also said he will ask the Labour Party's National Executive Committee to establish a leadership election timetable, with nominations opening on July 9, noting that he will remain in office as prime minister until the leadership process is completed and will work to ensure an orderly transfer of power.
"I will ask the National Executive Committee of the Labour Party to set out a timetable with nominations opening on the 9th of July and completed by the summer recess. In the case of a contest, this will ensure a new leader is in place before Parliament returns in September. I will remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power," he added.
Before his resignation, Trump on Sunday claimed that Starmer would step down from office for "failing badly" on immigration and energy policy.
"Keir Starmer will resign as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom," Trump stated on a post on Truth Social.
Elaborating on his assessment, the US President claimed that Starmer's policies had fallen short across critical sectors, specifically highlighting immigration and North Sea oil development.
"He failed badly on two very important subjects - IMMIGRATION AND ENERGY (OPEN NORTH SEA OIL!). I wish him well!" Trump added.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Keir Starmer resigning as Labour leader but staying as PM? That's some political juggling act! 🤔 Trump's criticism of UK's immigration and energy policies actually mirrors what many Indians have been saying - western countries need to get their priorities straight. But isn't it rich coming from a man whose own country has massive immigration debates? Anyway, interesting times in global politics.
As an Indian watching this, I find it amusing how American presidents comment on UK internal politics 😄. But Trump has a point about energy - the UK has vast North Sea reserves they're not tapping while importing energy from elsewhere. Meanwhile, India is aggressively expanding our renewable energy capacity. Perhaps the developed world should look at our solar and wind energy targets - we're aiming for 500 GW by 2030!
Trump criticizing Starmer's NATO stance is rich considering his own history with NATO! Remember when he threatened to withdraw US support? 🙄 The UK's decision on the island access seems like standard diplomatic bargaining, not a betrayal. And about immigration - UK's issues are largely due to post-Brexit policies, not Starmer alone. Let's not pretend the US doesn't have its own border challenges. Every country has its problems, uncle!
Interesting to see an American president weighing in on UK domestic politics this directly. As someone from the US, I'm not sure Trump's commentary is helpful, especially on NATO coordination. The UK has been a reliable partner in NATO for decades. The energy debate is valid though - finding the right balance between environmental goals and energy security is something both our countries struggle with, similar to India's challenges.
V Varun X