UNITED States President Donald Trump has sharply criticised British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's handling of energy policy, immigration and defence cooperation with Washington, claiming the shortcomings contributed to Starmer's decision to step down as leader of the Labour Party.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday, Trump argued that Starmer had pursued misguided energy policies by refusing to expand oil exploration in the North Sea on environmental grounds while promoting wind energy projects and increasing Britain's reliance on imported energy supplies from Norway.
Reuters reported that tensions between the two leaders were also fuelled by military cooperation, with Trump claiming that Starmer delayed approval for the United States to use the British Royal Air Force base at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to launch strikes against targets in Iran.
"He (Starmer) said we could not use the island for our jets to land. That was the first time that had happened," Trump said.
Trump added that although Starmer ultimately granted permission, the delay amounted to a political decision that significantly undermined his leadership.
The US President, who had previously predicted Starmer's political decline in a post on Truth Social, described the British leader as "a friend" but expressed disappointment over what he viewed as insufficient support for the United States on issues involving the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and military operations against Iran.
Trump concluded by wishing Starmer well while insisting that his successor would need to confront Britain's most pressing challenges, including energy security, immigration control and rising domestic crime.
Meanwhile, in London, Starmer formally announced his resignation as leader of the Labour Party after coming under mounting pressure from within his own ranks following disappointing local and regional election results that weakened his political standing.
Despite relinquishing the party leadership, Starmer said he would remain Prime Minister throughout the transition period to ensure continuity and stability in government.
Political analysts in Britain expect Labour veteran and former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to emerge as the frontrunner to succeed Starmer after returning to Parliament.
If confirmed, Burnham would become Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade, highlighting the country's prolonged period of political instability. - June 23, 2026
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