Trump urges UK to ‘drill, baby, drill’, presses Starmer to boost North Sea oil output

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US President Donald Trump has urged the United Kingdom to ramp up oil and gas production in the North Sea, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government amid a worsening global energy crisis.
In a social media post, Trump criticised the UK’s reluctance to expand drilling, calling it “tragic” and urging authorities to “drill, baby, drill.” His remarks come as energy prices surge due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly disruptions linked to the Iran conflict and constrained supply routes.
Trump also took aim at the UK’s focus on renewable energy, arguing that abandoning fossil fuel opportunities in the North Sea undermines energy security at a time when Europe is scrambling for reliable supply.
The intervention highlights a growing divide between traditional energy security approaches and climate-focused policies. The UK government has maintained its stance on limiting new drilling licences, even as rising costs and supply uncertainties weigh on economic growth and consumer energy bills.