Trump says Britain 'on the edge of disaster' over immigration and energy policies

In an interview with GB News on September 3, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Britain is "on the edge of disaster" due to high energy costs, net zero policies, and mass migration. Trump criticized Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government, claiming energy costs are three to four times too high and urging the exploitation of North Sea oil reserves. Burnham's government defended its clean energy transition and noted that illegal small boat crossings have fallen sharply.

Trump criticism of UK policies

• ▪U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview with GB News on September 3, 2026, that Britain was "on the edge of disaster" due to immigration and energy policies.
• ▪Donald Trump stated on September 3, 2026, that British Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government had serious problems to overcome, specifically citing immigration and energy.

UK-US diplomatic relations

• ▪Donald Trump expressed personal affection for King Charles and love for Britain as a country on September 3, 2026, despite criticizing the British government's policies.
• ▪Relations between Britain and the United States under Donald Trump have been turbulent in recent years, deteriorating from a state visit in 2025 to heavy criticism by September 2026.

UK immigration concerns

• ▪Concerns about illegal immigration via small boats from continental Europe are major issues for British voters and have driven a surge in popularity for Nigel Farage's Reform party.
• ▪Donald Trump stated on September 3, 2026, that Britain has a "tremendous immigration problem" and will not have a country left if it does not stop people from pouring in.

UK energy costs

• ▪Donald Trump, who characterizes climate change as a hoax, has criticized Britain's transition away from fossil fuels and urged successive leaders to exploit North Sea oil and gas reserves.
• ▪Donald Trump criticized Britain's high energy costs on September 3, 2026, claiming they are three to four times higher than they should be.

North Sea oil development

• ▪British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering whether to permit two large North Sea oil and gas developments to proceed as of September 2026.
• ▪Prime Prime Minister Andy Burnham has promised a pragmatic approach to energy transition regarding North Sea developments while maintaining a belief in shifting to clean electricity.

Burnham government response

• ▪Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government has repeated pledges to stop small boat crossings, stating in early September 2026 that crossings had fallen sharply.
• ▪Prime Minister Andy Burnham's government stated in early September 2026 that work targeting small boat launches and the criminal gangs behind them was bearing fruit.

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