US President said the outgoing British PM weakened his political standing through policies on energy, immigration and relations with Washington
US President Donald Trump on Monday sharply criticised outgoing British Prime Minister Keir Starmer following his resignation announcement, arguing that the Labour leader had damaged his own political standing through his handling of energy, immigration and relations with the United States.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump described Starmer as “a lovely man” and “sort of a friend,” but said the British leader had made a series of policy mistakes that contributed to growing political pressure within his party.
“I think he’s a lovely man,” Trump said. “But he’s got two problems: energy and immigration — and crime. But energy and immigration. He’s really hurt himself very, very badly.”
Criticism over energy policy
Trump accused Starmer of failing to fully utilise Britain’s North Sea oil resources and prioritising environmental policies over energy security.
“The UK buys much of its energy. You know where? Norway. You know where they get their oil? The North Sea,” Trump said.
“The UK has a much better portion of the North Sea — they don’t want to do it for environmental purposes.”
The US President also criticised Britain’s investment in wind energy, saying the country had allowed “windmills all over the place” while neglecting domestic fossil fuel production.
Dispute over Iran operations
Trump also pointed to tensions between Washington and London over military operations linked to the Iran conflict.
According to Trump, the two leaders clashed over the use of British military facilities in Cyprus for US operations targeting Iran. He claimed Starmer initially hesitated to approve the use of RAF Akrotiri, a key British air base on the Mediterranean island.
“He said we can’t use the island to land. That was a first,” Trump said.
The US President added that Britain eventually approved the request, but argued the delay had politically damaged Starmer.
Starmer announces departure
Starmer announced earlier on Monday that he would step down as Labour Party leader while remaining Prime Minister during a transition period until a successor is chosen.
The decision follows months of mounting pressure from Labour lawmakers and disappointing election performances that weakened his authority within the party.
In his resignation statement, Starmer said he accepted the view of his parliamentary colleagues that a leadership change was necessary and pledged to ensure an orderly transfer of power.
Race to succeed Starmer
Attention has now turned to the contest to replace Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister.
Veteran Labour politician Andy Burnham, who recently returned to Parliament and currently serves as Mayor of Greater Manchester, has emerged as the leading contender to take over the party’s leadership.
If elected, Burnham would become Britain’s seventh prime minister in just over a decade, underscoring the continued volatility of UK politics.
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