Trump says Burnham is 'getting it done' after Jackdaw decision

Key Points:

• US President Donald Trump praised UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham for approving production from the North Sea's Jackdaw gas field, calling it a move that would make the UK very wealthy and contrasting it with the previous prime minister, Keir Starmer, whom he said "never got it done."
• The Jackdaw gas field, operated by a Shell and Equinor joint venture, is expected to start producing gas by the end of the month, potentially meeting about 1.6% of the UK's projected gas demand between 2026 and 2036, and contributing to heating millions of homes.
• The decision to approve Jackdaw faced criticism from environmental groups who argue it undermines climate goals and offers minimal energy security benefits, while government officials maintain it aligns with legally binding climate commitments and the UK’s net zero target by 2050.
• Trump and Burnham also discussed broader UK-US collaboration on energy, including nuclear power, and geopolitical issues such as the Falkland Islands oil projects and support for Ukraine’s access to Starlink amid the Russian invasion.
• Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham for delays on Jackdaw and called for repealing the ban on new oil and gas licenses, while Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh emphasized that Jackdaw gas would not reduce energy bills this winter despite its imminent production.