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President Donald Trump has commented that Keir Starmer will find it challenging to remain as prime minister unless he revises his stances on energy and immigration. While Trump has had a contentious relationship with Starmer, particularly regarding Iran, he stopped short of calling for the Labour leader’s resignation, describing him as a “good man.”
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after a two-day visit to China, Trump pointed out that Starmer is currently grappling with significant political hurdles following disappointing results in recent local elections.
Trump has expressed concerns, warning that Starmer’s energy policies could jeopardize his leadership. “Energy will kill you,” he remarked, criticizing the Labour leader for not bolstering oil drilling efforts in the North Sea and for what he perceives as a detrimental reliance on wind energy.
The U.S. president also labeled Britain’s immigration policies as “insane,” suggesting the country is experiencing an “invasion.” He asserted that Starmer’s political future hinges on addressing these critical areas: “He’s in trouble for two reasons: energy and immigration,” Trump said.
Continuing on the topic of energy, Trump urged Starmer to capitalize on the North Sea’s resources: “He has gold mines; he should be developing oil in the North Sea, and he is not doing that.” He noted that while the UK imports oil from Norway, which also sources from the North Sea, the cost is disadvantageous to Britain.
When questioned about Starmer’s potential for survival, Trump stressed the importance of addressing immigration concerns. He further critiqued renewable energy sources, stating, “It’s the most expensive energy, it kills birds, it’s unsightly and it ruins the landscape.”
Regarding Starmer’s leadership, Trump maintained a neutral stance, asserting he did not believe resignation was necessary. However, he disapproved of some of Starmer’s statements, particularly regarding military commitments in response to potential conflicts, referencing a planned defense mission led by Britain and France in the Strait of Hormuz.
This proposed operation has faced scrutiny from U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who argued that it “makes no sense.” The complexities surrounding these geopolitical issues continue to influence perceptions of leadership on both sides of the Atlantic.
