U.S. President Donald Trump has welcomed reports suggesting incoming UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham may support expanded oil and gas development in the North Sea, claiming the move would bring major economic benefits to the United Kingdom.
In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump said residents of Aberdeen, Scotland’s energy hub, would be “dancing in the streets” if Burnham follows through with plans to allow further exploitation of North Sea oil reserves.
“The people of Aberdeen are celebrating because the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has said he will fully open up the invaluable North Sea oil,” Trump wrote.
The U.S. president argued that increasing domestic fossil fuel production could transform Britain’s economy, saying it would help turn the country from what he described as a struggling nation into one of the world’s wealthiest. He also renewed his criticism of wind energy, calling for wind turbines around Aberdeen to be removed because, in his view, they spoil the city’s landscape.
Although media reports suggest Burnham is considering approving development at the Rosebank and Jackdaw oil and gas fields, the incoming prime minister has not publicly confirmed any change in government policy.
Burnham, who is due to replace Keir Starmer on Monday, has pledged to respect Labour’s 2024 election manifesto, which promised not to issue any new North Sea oil and gas exploration licences. The party argued that additional licences would do little to reduce household energy bills or strengthen energy security while worsening climate change.
However, reports indicate Burnham is open to approving projects at Rosebank and Jackdaw because the necessary licences had already been granted under previous decisions, meaning no new licences would be required.
Labour deputy leader Lucy Powell declined to confirm whether the government would approve additional drilling but said Burnham would adopt a “more pragmatic approach” without abandoning Labour’s overall commitment. Speaking to the BBC, she described the expected shift as one of emphasis rather than a complete policy reversal.
Ahead of taking office, Burnham’s allies also announced that he plans to abandon the government’s proposed digital identity card programme. They said the decision would allow more resources to be directed toward tackling everyday issues such as the rising cost of living.
The digital ID scheme, originally introduced to combat illegal migration, had already been scaled back after criticism, with the requirement for mandatory participation dropped earlier this year.
According to Burnham’s spokesperson, funding that would have been allocated to the identity programme will instead support priorities that directly affect households.
Britain’s Office for Budget Responsibility previously estimated the scheme would cost around £1.8 billion between the 2026/27 and 2028/29 financial years.
The opposition Conservative Party criticized the move, accusing Labour of wasting public funds before abandoning the project. Labour, however, defended the decision, saying it reflects Burnham’s intention to refocus government spending on more pressing national priorities.
