Trump Demands UK "Open North Sea Oil," Taps Starmer for Resignation Role ⛽

Donald Trump declared on Truth Social on Saturday, June 21, that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to resign, blaming Starmer's government for failing on immigration and energy and demanding the UK "open North Sea oil." The post singled out the UK's ban on new oil and gas exploration licences, announced on November 26, 2025, as the policy that made Britain the largest economy to take that step and a central driver of Starmer's political collapse.

UK household energy costs have climbed sharply since the US-Israel conflict with Iran disrupted Middle East flows, with Ofgem confirming a 13% rise in the household energy price cap from July. The increase lifts the annual dual-fuel bill from £1,641 to £1,862, with gas bills climbing 24% and electricity rising 5%. Brent crude has surged from around $73 a barrel to nearly $114 since the outbreak of the conflict, while June gas futures on the Dutch TTF jumped nearly 50%.

Analysts at Oxford's Smith School have estimated that even maximum North Sea extraction would save households only between £16 and £82 per year, noting that domestic oil is sold at global market prices regardless of origin. The UK government has not publicly responded to Trump's post, and no resignation has been confirmed.

Trump had previously told reporters that Starmer is "a nice man" while warning he needed to "straighten out immigration" and "start drilling." Starmer's political position has weakened significantly following major losses in local elections and a decisive Makerfield by-election win by Andy Burnham, with around 100 Labour MPs formally requesting his resignation. UK media reported on Sunday that an announcement was expected Monday.