Political journalist Kevin Schofield has warned that Donald Trump will have “no qualms” about attacking Sir Keir Starmer when he becomes president, following Trump’s criticism of Britain’s North Sea oil policy.
Speaking on GB News, the HuffPost UK journalist said the UK Government is “desperate to be friends with Donald Trump”.
However, Schofield noted that Trump has already demonstrated his willingness to criticise British policy, pointing to his recent statement claiming Britain is making a “very big mistake” on North Sea oil.
The comments come as Trump positions himself for a return to the White House.
Kevin Schofield says the Starmer-Trump dynamic will provide fireworks
PA / GB NEWS
Trump took to his social media platform Truth Social to declare “The U.K. is making a very big mistake. Open up the North Sea. Get rid of Windmills!”
His comments came in response to news that US oil and gas producer APA Corp’s unit Apache plans to exit the North Sea by the end of 2029.
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Kevin Schofield spoke on GB News
GB NEWS
The company expects its North Sea production to fall by 20 per cent year over year in 2025.
The North Sea has seen significant wind farm development by Britain and European countries in recent years, though the offshore wind sector has faced challenges due to rising costs and technical issues.
The British government increased its windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas producers from 35 per cent to 38 per cent in October last year, extending the levy by an additional year.
The revenue is intended to fund renewable energy projects as Britain aims to largely decarbonise its power sector by 2030.
Trump’s criticism of Starmer was discussed on GB News
GB NEWS
Oil companies have been steadily departing the ageing basin, with production declining from a peak of 4.4 million barrels of oil equivalent per day at the start of the millennium to around 1.3 million today.
Major players including Harbour Energy and ExxonMobil have moved to exit the region, with producers warning the higher tax rate could lead to reduced investments.
Schofield warned that Trump’s criticism of UK energy policy signals “a sign of things to come” in British-American relations.
“Trump will have no qualms mouthing off about anything and attacking Keir Starmer, who he probably doesn’t like much anyway,” the journalist told GB News.
He noted that it took hours for the UK Government to respond to Trump’s North Sea comments, ultimately choosing to ignore his remarks.
“It’s going to make the next four years very interesting,” Schofield added. “Britain don’t want to offend Trump but he will be lobbing hand grenades at any opportunity.”
