Trump brands UK a ‘poverty-stricken disaster’ as he praises Andy Burnham over ‘plan to open new North Sea oil drilling’

DONALD Trump has branded the UK a “poverty- stricken disaster” as he praised Andy Burnham over reported plans to open new North Sea oil drilling. According to reports, the incoming Prime Minister is likely to reverse a Labour manifesto pledge and allow new North Sea licences. Donald Trump has branded the UK a ‘poverty stricken disaster’ Credit: AFP According to reports Andy Burnham is likely to allow new North Sea licences Credit: Alamy Stock Photo A decision to grant drilling licences could affect two oil and gas fields in Scotland – Rosebank and Jackdaw. In a post on Truth Social the US president said: “The People of Aberdeen, in Scotland, are dancing in the streets because the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has stated that he will be opening up, all the way, the invaluable North Sea Oil!” Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Trump described drilling the North Sea as “one of the Greatest Sources of quality Oil on Earth”. “It has hundreds of years of Capacity left, with much not even found yet, and will make the United Kingdom, from a Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World!”, he wrote. Trump praised Andy Burnham over the reported plan Credit: AFP US President Donald Trump posted the comments on Truth Social Credit: truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump A decision to grant drilling licences could affect two oil and gas fields in Scotland – Rosebank and Jackdaw. Regulators previously approved them in 2022 and 2023 under a Tory government. But the decision was overturned in 2025 after a legal challenge. Going ahead with drilling would also go against Labour’s 2024 manifesto which pledged not to issue new licences but to honour existing ones. Most read in The Sun Trump added: “Britain pays Norway Billions of Dollars a year to buy its Oil, which they get from a less valuable part of the North Sea. “How ridiculous is that!” “Such great potential in the UK, but it all starts with OPENING NORTH SEA OIL. WE LOVE YOU SCOTLAND! President DONALD J. TRUMP”, he added. Burnham will become Prime Minister tomorrow, when he is expected to set out his policy agenda. New Labour leader Andy Burnham has pledged the ‘most significant’ change to politics in 40 years Credit: Getty Images WHAT BURNHAM MAY DO By Ryan Sabey ANDY Burnham promised he has a plan to fix Britain — mostly by taking it back to the pre-Margaret Thatcher 1970s. The PM-in-waiting hasn’t set out much detail yet, and prefers TikTok videos to answering questions from journalists, but Deputy Political Editor Ryan Sabey looks at what might be on the cards. HIGHER TAXES A shake-up of property levies could see a ‘land tax’ replacing stamp duty, clobbering homeowners in the south. More taxes on wealth could help pay for the ballooning welfare bill. NATIONALISATION Work is said to be under way to take public control of Thames Water. He has bemoaned Britain losing control of housing, water, energy and transport to the private sector. SOCIAL CARE Burnham wants to find a sustainable way to pay for care of the elderly and will “expend quite a lot of political capital” on it. The cost to the Government’s finances will also be hefty. NUMBER 10 NORTH A new nerve centre of British power will be established in Manchester with Burnham saying it will oversee a huge rebalance of power away from the traditional capital. RULES ON SETTLEMENT Could appease Labour Left by watering down plans to double the time majority of migrants have to wait before becoming eligible for the right to remain in the UK. ISRAEL & GAZA Harder line on Israel which could include further sanctions against Jewish settlers. Said Britain was “too slow” to call for a ceasefire inthe wake of Israel’s response to October 7. LEVY ON HOLIDAYS Regional mayors will get powers to impose a ‘tourist tax’. Burnham said that it was “a measure we have long called for” to invest in growth. Kemi Badenoch says Tory mayors won’t use it. NORTH SEA Civil service has been tasked with coming up with plans for drilling in the Jackdaw gas field and Rosebank oil field. There may also be “tie-backs” approved next to existing North Sea oil and gas fields. MORE COUNCIL HOUSES Wants a massive programme to replace social housing. Allowing families to buy their own council houses was a huge success under Thatcher — but many in Labour hate it. DRINKING IN STANDS Football supporters could be celebrating their team’s goal with a pint in the stands, with a review to look at ripping up the ban introduced to quell violence between fans in the 1980s. The former Greater Manchester Mayor has pledged “the most significant change” in politics in the past 40 years. He is under pressure on North Sea drilling from the Tories and Reform UK, who support new oil and gas licences. It comes after Burnham revealed how he plans to deal with Trump after the US president branded him “extremely liberal”. The special relationship has been shaky in the final months of Sir Keir Starmer‘s tenure, with the two leaders locking horns over the Iran war. But Burnham appeared optimistic, telling Gary Lineker‘s podcast: “I’ll just meet him where he’s at.“ The incoming PM said that Trump’s recent description of him as “a mayor of a town” may have ruffled some feathers. But, he added: “It’s about respecting the office, the UK-US relationship.” He has often spoken of his love for Scotland where he owns two golf resorts – Trump Turnberry and the Trump International Golf Links. The special relationship has been shaky in the final months of Sir Keir Starmer’s tenure Credit: AFP KEIR'S MOVING OUT By Sebastian Haw A REMOVAL van was parked in Downing Street yesterday as outgoing PM Sir Keir Starmer began to vacate No10. A worker from Bishop’s Move was spotted loading boxes from one of the firm’s distinctive yellow vehicles, watched by police. Sir Keir will be the fifth PM to exit the famous address since 2019, clearing the way for Andy Burnham to take up residence — and the top job — on Monday. His mother Mary Anne MacLeod, was born and brought up on the Hebridean island of Lewis before emigrating to the US. More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us on TikTok @TheSun. 2 comments2