During his visit to Scotland, U.S. President Donald Trump launched a sharp critique of British energy policy, telling UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that North Sea oil taxes are “so high” they deter investment and threaten energy affordability. Trump posted on Truth Social that Britain must “incentivize the drillers, FAST,” describing the North Sea basin as a “TREASURE CHEST” for the UK economy.

Tensions Over Energy Strategy

While Starmer’s Labour government has vowed to honor existing North Sea extraction licenses, it has ruled out issuing new ones and recently raised the windfall tax on oil and gas producers from 35% to 38% — bringing total taxation of the sector to 78%. Trump contended that this approach drives away investment and urged a return to fossil fuel expansion.

“There’s a VAST FORTUNE TO BE MADE for the UK,” Trump said, “and far lower energy costs for the people!”

According to industry group Offshore Energies UK, there are around 12 billion barrels of oil-equivalent resources in the basin. About 4 billion barrels are currently in plans at various stages of readiness, while an additional 2–3 billion barrels could be developed by 2050 with supportive policy shifts.

Political Undercurrents

Despite public displays of cooperation during a joint press event at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort, policy differences between Starmer and Trump were evident. Trump criticized Starmer on multiple fronts, including taxation, immigration, and crime, urging him to act decisively to neutralize populist rival Nigel Farage.

Trump also mocked London Mayor Sadiq Khan and denounced wind energy as “very expensive and ugly,” prompting Starmer to defend the UK’s energy mix. “We believe in a mix,” Starmer said, “and obviously oil and gas are going to be with us for a very long time.”