President Donald J. Trump has criticized British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s handling of immigration and energy policy, warning the prime minister faces a “tough” political situation unless he reforms key areas.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One after returning from a state visit to China, Trump stated: “It’s a tough thing, unless he can straighten out immigration—where he’s weak—and if he doesn’t start drilling and stop with the windmills all over the place… he’s got to open up the North Sea.”
The remarks have intensified pressure on Starmer as his Labour Party faces internal rebellion following heavy losses in regional elections to Nigel Farage’s Reform Party. Approximately 100 Labour MPs have called for his resignation, while one Cabinet member and several junior ministers have resigned from his government.
One Labour MP is resigning to enable Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, to run in a by-election, with expectations he will challenge Starmer for leadership and the prime minister’s position.
Under Britain’s parliamentary system, Starmer would be replaced without a general election if Labour ousted him as party leader. Trump’s comments follow previous clashes over Starmer’s stance on Iran-related military bases and his proposed sale of the British-controlled Chagos Islands to China-aligned Mauritius.
