What's happened
US President Donald Trump has urged UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to abandon his clean energy strategy and increase oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. This comes after a recent trade deal between the US and UK, amid rising energy costs and pressure from business leaders in the UK.
What's behind the headline?
Key Points:
- Trump's Influence: Trump's call for increased drilling reflects a broader push from some UK business leaders who argue that current energy policies threaten jobs and economic stability.
- Energy Costs: With household energy bills projected to fall, the debate over energy sources intensifies. Critics argue that reliance on fossil fuels is not a sustainable solution to high energy costs.
- Political Ramifications: The Labour government's commitment to renewable energy faces challenges from opposition parties like Reform UK, which promise to reverse drilling bans if elected.
- Environmental Concerns: The International Energy Agency warns that expanding fossil fuel production contradicts global climate goals, raising questions about the long-term viability of such policies.
The situation highlights a critical juncture for the UK as it balances economic pressures with environmental commitments.
What the papers say
According to The Scotsman, Trump has urged the UK to abandon its clean energy strategy, claiming that increased drilling could lower energy costs significantly. In contrast, The Guardian reports that Reform UK plans to reverse the government's ban on new drilling, emphasizing support for the oil industry. Meanwhile, AP News highlights the US-UK trade deal's implications, noting that Trump's comments may complicate the UK's energy transition efforts. Critics, including environmental groups, argue that Trump's views are misguided, as the most accessible oil and gas reserves have already been exploited, as noted by Ernst and Young's analysis.
How we got here
The UK government, under Labour, has committed to ending new licenses for North Sea drilling to meet climate targets. Trump's comments come as the UK faces pressure from business leaders to reconsider its energy policies amid job losses in the oil and gas sector.
Go deeper
- What are the implications of Trump's comments?
- How is the UK government responding to business pressures?
- What are the environmental concerns regarding increased drilling?
Common question
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What Did Trump Say About the UK's Energy Strategy?
On May 23, 2025, President Trump made headlines by criticizing the UK's energy strategy, particularly its reliance on wind energy. His comments have sparked discussions about the future of energy policies in both the US and the UK. Below are some common questions people have regarding Trump's statements and their implications.
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Why Are US Buyers Suddenly Interested in UK Properties?
In recent months, there has been a notable surge in inquiries from US buyers about UK properties, particularly in Scotland. This trend raises questions about the underlying factors driving this interest and its implications for the UK property market. Below, we explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and its potential impact on the economy.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northÂwestern coast of the European mainland.
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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Aberdeen is a city in northeast Scotland. It is Scotland's third most populous city, one of Scotland's 32 local government council areas and the United Kingdom's 39th most populous built-up area, with an official 2018 population estimate of 198,880 for th
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The North Sea is a sea of the Atlantic Ocean located between Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France.