Former US President Donald Trump has delivered a blistering critique of Britain's approach to energy production during a high-profile address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The controversial political figure took particular aim at what he described as restrictive policies preventing full exploitation of North Sea oil and gas reserves.
Energy Policy Under Fire
In his characteristically direct style, Mr Trump asserted that the United Kingdom now produces just one-third of the total energy from all sources compared to 1999 levels. "Think of that, one-third – and they're sitting on top of the North Sea, one of the greatest reserves anywhere in the world," he told the assembled audience in the Swiss Alps.
The former president, who has repeatedly denounced what he calls the green energy "scam," claimed the UK Government had created conditions that make it "impossible" for oil companies to operate effectively. He specifically criticised what he described as excessive taxation on energy companies, stating: "They take 92% of the revenues. So the oil companies say, 'We can't do it.'"
Controversial Claims About Reserves
Mr Trump dismissed suggestions that North Sea reserves are depleted, making the extraordinary claim that "It's got 500 years. They haven't even found the oil, the North Sea is incredible." He directly challenged environmental restrictions on drilling, arguing they have contributed to what he called "catastrophically low" energy levels accompanied by "equally high prices" for British consumers.
The remarks represent a significant intervention in the ongoing debate about Britain's energy future, coming as the country continues to navigate the complex transition toward renewable sources while managing existing fossil fuel infrastructure.
Broader Critique of European Policies
Beyond energy policy, Mr Trump's address took aim at broader European trends, particularly regarding migration. He told the Davos audience that countries in Europe were importing "entirely different populations from far away lands," adding: "Certain places in Europe are not even recognisable, frankly, anymore."
In comments likely to deepen existing transatlantic divisions, the former president presented a stark vision of what he described as Europe's wrong direction. "I love Europe and I want to see Europe go good, but it's not heading in the right direction," he stated, framing his criticism within a broader rejection of what he called "conventional wisdom" in Western capitals.
Political Context and Implications
The speech comes at a politically sensitive time, with Mr Trump having recently returned to the White House for his second non-consecutive term. His comments about Sir Keir Starmer's policies represent direct engagement with UK domestic politics from a sitting US president, an unusual level of specificity in international forum remarks.
Energy analysts will be closely examining Mr Trump's claims about North Sea reserves and production levels, while political observers note the speech continues his pattern of challenging established climate and energy policies on the global stage. The remarks also highlight ongoing tensions in US-UK relations regarding environmental policy and energy security priorities.
As the World Economic Forum continues, the reaction from European leaders and energy industry representatives to these comments will be closely watched, particularly regarding their potential impact on international cooperation on climate goals and energy market stability.
