Story perspectives

Trump labels Burnham liberal, warns oil ban harms UK

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump called prime minister-designate Andy Burnham “extremely liberal” and said he would likely refuse North Sea oil drilling.
He criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s energy policy, saying refusal harms UK economy and opening fields might bring deals like Norway’s wealth.
Trump made the remarks in a meeting with NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte ahead of a Turkey summit, also voicing disappointment with the UK over Iran conflict.

History

Historical Context

October 1973 OAPEC embargoed oil to the United States and United Kingdom to punish U.S. arms aid to Israel during Yom Kippur War, causing prices to quadruple. The shock spurred U.S. gasoline lines and forced British Prime Minister Edward Heath to ration fuel until North Sea production began in 1975. Donald Trump’s criticism of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s refusal to expand North Sea drilling revives that 1970s supply-versus-import debate.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump called prime minister-designate Andy Burnham “extremely liberal” and said he would likely refuse North Sea oil drilling.
He criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s energy policy, saying refusal harms UK economy and opening fields might bring deals like Norway’s wealth.
Trump made the remarks in a meeting with NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte ahead of a Turkey summit, also voicing disappointment with the UK over Iran conflict.

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