LONDON — U.S. President Donald Trump renewed calls for Britain to expand oil and gas production in the North Sea, criticizing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s energy policies and arguing that the United Kingdom should increase domestic fossil-fuel output rather than rely on imports, according to statements posted by Trump and comments made in recent weeks.
Trump’s latest remarks came amid political pressure on Starmer and ongoing debate over the future of North Sea energy production. In a post on his Truth Social platform and in subsequent public comments, Trump urged Britain to “drill, baby, drill,” saying the country was failing to take advantage of what he described as significant offshore energy resources.
“U.K., which is better situated on the North Sea for purposes of energy than Norway, should, DRILL, BABY, DRILL!!!” Trump wrote in an April social media post that he has since echoed in later comments. He argued that Europe was facing energy pressures and that Britain should increase production from North Sea fields.
The comments formed part of a broader critique of Starmer’s government. On Saturday, Trump said Starmer had “failed badly” on immigration and energy policy and linked those issues to the British leader’s political difficulties. Reuters reported that Trump specifically cited North Sea oil policy as one of his criticisms of Starmer’s record.
The Labour government has maintained its commitment to expanding renewable energy while limiting new North Sea oil and gas licensing. Ministers have argued that long-term energy security depends on investment in clean power, including wind, nuclear and other low-carbon sources. Labour has also introduced higher taxes on profits from oil and gas extraction, a policy the government says helps fund public spending while supporting the energy transition.
Supporters of continued North Sea development, including industry groups and some opposition politicians, have argued that domestic production can support jobs, investment and energy security during the transition to lower-carbon energy sources. Environmental organizations, meanwhile, have called for reduced reliance on fossil fuels and accelerated investment in renewable technologies.
Trump has repeatedly raised the issue during his second term, criticizing British renewable-energy policies and urging greater offshore drilling. In May, he said Starmer was “getting killed on energy” and again called for the opening of additional North Sea oil resources.
The debate has unfolded against a backdrop of declining North Sea production over recent decades and continuing discussions about Britain’s energy strategy. Government officials have not indicated any plans to reverse existing policy on new North Sea licensing.
As of Sunday, Trump continued to advocate expanded North Sea drilling, while British officials remained committed to their existing energy-transition agenda. Details of any policy changes remain unclear.
