Trump Urges UK to Boost North Sea Oil Drilling, Dismisses Wind Power

U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the United Kingdom to abandon its wind energy projects and instead focus on expanding oil drilling in the North Sea to reduce energy costs and boost the economy, emphasizing Aberdeen as a key hub. His stance directly challenges the UK government's net zero emissions policies, which include a ban on new oil and gas exploration licenses as part of a broader commitment to renewable energy and climate goals. Reform UK has aligned with Trump’s position, pledging to reverse the drilling ban and invest public funds in North Sea fossil fuel projects if elected, aiming to secure jobs and energy independence. However, these calls have drawn sharp criticism from climate advocates and the Scottish Greens, who argue that continuing reliance on fossil fuels will worsen climate change and energy price volatility, urging the government to maintain its commitment to reducing fossil fuel consumption and investing in clean energy. The debate highlights growing tensions within UK energy policy between economic and environmental priorities amid fluctuating global energy prices and geopolitical considerations. Trump’s comments come shortly after the US-UK trade agreement and underscore ongoing international and domestic pressures on the UK’s energy transition path.