United States President Donald Trump has weighed in on the growing political turmoil surrounding UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging him to expand North Sea oil production and adopt tougher immigration policies as pressure mounts within the Labour Party for him to resign.
President Trump made the remarks on Tuesday, May 12, before boarding Air Force One for his trip to China while responding to questions about Starmer’s future amid an escalating rebellion inside the governing Labour Party following heavy local election losses across the United Kingdom.
“Well my advice to him has always been, open up your oil in the North Sea. You got one of the great oil finds anywhere in the world and you’re not using it,” Trump said.
“They’re not allowed to use it. And it’s one of the best in the world, among the best oils in the world. Open up your oil in the North Sea and get tough on immigration.”
President Trump Advises Keir Starmer on Immigration
Trump also linked immigration to wider political pressures facing governments across Europe.
“Europe is being very, very hurt by immigration, all over Europe,” he added.
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When asked whether Starmer should stay or resign, Trump declined to directly weigh in on the British leader’s political future.
“Did he stay or go? That’s up to him,” Trump stated.
“But I’ve told him from day one, you’re getting killed on energy. You’re windmilling your country to death. Open up the North Sea. You have one of the greatest sources of energy in the world.”
Trump’s comments came as Starmer faced one of the most serious political crises of his premiership, with more than 80 Labour MPs publicly urging him to step down or announce a timetable for his departure after Labour suffered major election setbacks.
According to developments in British politics, four junior ministers resigned on Tuesday, including high-profile Labour politician Jess Phillips.
The resignations followed growing criticism within the party over Starmer’s leadership style and the government’s political direction after Labour’s poor performance in recent local elections.
UK Prime Minister declares stance
Despite the mounting pressure, Starmer told his cabinet he intended to remain in office and continue governing.
The British prime minister has insisted he will “get on with governing” even as internal divisions deepen within Labour ahead of the parliamentarynext session opening by Charles III.
The ministers who resigned publicly criticised Starmer’s leadership in strongly worded statements.
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Jess Phillips, who served as parliamentary under-secretary of state for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, accused Starmer of failing to act with enough urgency.
“I’m not sure we are grasping this rare opportunity with the gusto that’s needed, and I cannot keep waiting around for a crisis to push for faster progress,” Phillips said.
“Decency is vital, calm curiosity is also needed, but so too are fight and drive required.”
Miatta Fahnbulleh, another minister who resigned, said the government had “not acted with the vision, pace and ambition that our mandate for change demands of us.”
Zubir Ahmed, who stepped down as parliamentary undersecretary of health innovation and safety, said the public had “irretrievably lost confidence” in Starmer’s leadership.
Meanwhile, other senior Labour figures rallied behind the prime minister.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy publicly reiterated his support for Starmer outside 10 Downing Street, warning colleagues against internal divisions.
“He has my full support,” Lammy told reporters.
“What I say to colleagues is, ‘Look, let’s just step back. Take a breath’.”
Lammy also noted that no challenger had formally emerged to contest Starmer’s leadership.
“Nobody has come forward to put themselves forward in the processes that exist in the party,” he said.
“No one seems to have the names to stand up against Keir Starmer, and for those who are suggesting that he should stand down, they should say which candidate would be better.”
MPs demand Starmer’s resignation
According to Al Jazeera, more than 100 Labour MPs signed a statement backing Starmer and warning against launching a leadership contest at a time of political instability.
The developments follow heavy Labour election losses and a surge in support for Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage, whose party has gained momentum in recent local elections.
Political uncertainty in Britain also appeared to unsettle financial markets.
UK shares slipped while long-term borrowing costs surged amid concerns over the country’s political direction and uncertainty surrounding Starmer’s future.
Starmer became Britain’s prime minister in July 2024 after Labour won a commanding parliamentary majority, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
If he were to step aside, Britain could see its fifth prime minister in just four years following a period of repeated leadership changes that included the premierships of Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.
