Donald Trump has called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to ramp up North Sea oil and gas drilling, telling the Labour leader to “drill, baby, drill” while dismissing wind power as an “expensive joke”.
At a press conference at Chequers, the US president referenced his own energy policies as having helped curb American fuel prices and inflation, urging Starmer to reconsider Labour’s stance on new oil and gas licences for the North Sea.
During the discussion, Trump claimed his “drill, baby, drill” approach had cut American energy costs and said wind energy “isn’t a viable option; it’s a disaster and, frankly, a very costly joke”.
He advised Starmer to exploit the “great asset” of the North Sea for the UK’s economic benefit, adding, “You have some of the best oil in the world and a lot of it. It’s mad to leave billions of pounds in there”.
Prime Minister Starmer reiterated his commitment to lowering energy costs for households and businesses, but emphasised a “practical and pragmatic approach” that involves a balanced energy mix.
While Labour has ruled out new North Sea oil and gas licences, Starmer said fossil fuels from existing sites would remain part of the UK’s energy portfolio “for many years”, alongside growth in renewables and new nuclear projects.
The Conservative opposition has seized on Trump’s remarks to criticise Labour’s “net zero” plans and reluctance to expand fossil fuel extraction. Industry voices suggest the former president’s intervention adds pressure on the UK government as it seeks lower household energy bills during a turbulent period for global fuel prices.
