Trump says Britain is “on the edge of disaster” over energy and immigration

London, United Kingdom. U.S. President Donald Trump said Britain was “on the edge of disaster”, citing high energy costs, net zero policies and the effects of mass migration in an interview with GB News. He said Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s government faced serious challenges.

Criticism of energy policy

Trump said Britain had “a tremendous immigration problem” and “a tremendous energy problem”, adding that energy costs were “three, four times higher than they should be”.

Relations between Britain and Trump’s United States have been turbulent in recent years, deteriorating from the highs of a pomp-laden state visit to London in 2025 into criticism across domestic and foreign policy areas.

Trump repeated his admiration for King Charles and his affection for Britain, but criticised the government’s approach to energy. He has previously described climate change as a hoax, criticised Britain’s move away from fossil fuels and urged successive leaders to exploit North Sea oil and gas reserves.

Burnham is considering whether to allow two large North Sea developments to proceed. His government has promised a pragmatic energy transition while maintaining that electricity generation must shift towards clean sources.

Immigration concerns

Trump said immigration was changing Britain’s character.

“If you don’t stop people pouring into your country from all over the world, you’re not going to have a country left,” he said.

Concerns over immigration, particularly arrivals by small boats from continental Europe, are among the most significant issues for many British voters and have contributed to increased support for Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform party.

Burnham’s government has reiterated commitments first made by his predecessor, Keir Starmer, to stop the crossings. Earlier this week, it said crossings had fallen sharply and that action against boat launches and the criminal gangs organising them was producing results.