Washington, July 30, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
US President Donald Trump has called on the United Kingdom to expand oil and gas production in the North Sea, arguing that greater exploitation of offshore energy resources would significantly strengthen the British economy while reducing its dependence on imported energy.
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday (local time), Trump said he had discussed the issue with Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and expressed optimism that the UK government would move to increase North Sea oil exploration and production.
Trump said Burnham had indicated that his government intended to open up North Sea oil development. According to the US President, such a move could transform Britain’s economic fortunes if implemented effectively.
He also recalled making similar suggestions to former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging the previous government to fully utilise the country’s offshore energy reserves.
The US President argued that Britain currently faces two major challenges—immigration and energy—and criticised what he described as excessive reliance on renewable energy sources while substantial oil and gas reserves remain untapped.
Trump claimed the UK was importing energy despite possessing significant offshore resources, pointing to neighbouring Norway’s economic success as an example of the benefits of North Sea petroleum production. He noted that Norway had accumulated substantial wealth through its offshore oil and gas industry and suggested Britain could achieve similar gains.
He further claimed that Scotland possesses some of the world’s most valuable offshore oil reserves and said executives from energy companies had repeatedly encouraged him to urge British leaders to expand drilling operations in the North Sea.
During the media interaction, Trump also reiterated his criticism of immigration policies in Europe, claiming the continent was facing an unprecedented influx of migrants and describing the UK as one of the countries most affected.
The North Sea has remained one of Europe’s key offshore oil and natural gas producing regions for decades, serving as a major source of energy for both the United Kingdom and Norway.
FOLLOW NOW
