Trump and Burnham discuss North Sea oil, Ukraine and Falklands
USO•U.S. President Donald Trump said he discussed opening up North Sea oil with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, along with Ukraine and Iran. Burnham’s office said they welcomed the Jackdaw gas-field approval and discussed Falkland Islands oil exploration, Starlink access for Ukraine and Middle East security.
1. North Sea energy
Trump said he discussed opening up North Sea oil with Burnham and praised Britain’s approval of the Jackdaw gas field. Burnham’s office said the leaders agreed the approval would bring “significant benefits” to Britain and welcomed continued cooperation between British and U.S. companies, particularly on nuclear power. British officials said a decision on the larger Rosebank oilfield was yet to be made.
2. Falklands exploration
Burnham raised oil exploration off the Falkland Islands. Downing Street said he discussed the economic consequences for Britain and the United States of Argentina’s measures seeking to halt drilling, and reiterated the importance of respecting islanders’ right to develop their natural resources.
3. Ukraine and Middle East
Burnham underlined the importance of Kyiv having full access to Starlink to defend itself against Russia and welcomed Trump’s efforts to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiations. The leaders agreed to work with international partners to end the bloodshed, and also discussed the Middle East, with Burnham reaffirming Britain’s support for Saudi Arabia in the face of Houthi attacks.
