News · 29 July 2026

Trump says Burnham will open North Sea to oil drilling

US President Donald Trump alleges Prime Minister Andy Burnham informed him that the UK intended to make the North Sea available for oil drilling. Trump believes this move would make the UK a "wealthy country," citing potentially hundreds of years of oil reserves. Downing Street has not confirmed Trump's claim, referring to an earlier summary of their conversation that did not mention oil.

By BriefTea Editorial · 29 July 2026 at 22:02

Reported by Independent · How we write briefs

Get the app

Understand this story

Is the North Sea running out? Who owns North Sea oil? Why would the UK drill more?

More briefs

WorldIran's unseen supreme leader urges Gulf countries to fight a shared enemy BusinessIceland supermarket boss tells the Chancellor to cut business taxes for employers GeneralNigel Farage's £5m donor has major stakes in arms industry PoliticsTreasury officials advise John Healey to tax banks and oil companies more HealthCorrecting hearing loss can cut dementia risk by almost half GeneralNotting Hill Carnival parade begins as Europe's biggest street party Browse all stories →