Donald Trump issues 'bankrupt' Britain warning and tells GB News about phone call with Andy Burnham

Speaking out about the main challenges facing Europe, Mr Trump reiterated his concern about the UK struggling to grapple with the small boat crisis and its longstanding refusal to drill in the North Sea.

However, the 47th US President revealed Mr Burnham expressed a willingness to explore expanding operations off the coast of Scotland.

Mr Trump said: "Two things are killing Europe. Number one is immigration. Number two is energy.

"When you look at the UK, they have one of the best energy fields in the world, North Sea oil.

"Now I think your new Prime Minister is going to actually open up the (North Sea), from what I hear.

"I spoke to him, and he sounded terrific on this subject. But you open it up, you’ll be a wealthy country."

He added: "You keep it closed, you’re going to be a bankrupt country, which is what you are now. Essentially, you’re a bankrupt country.

"But if you open it up, you'll be a wealthy country. If you keep it close, you're going to be a bankrupt country, which is what you are now."

President Trump said: "You’re sitting on top of gold, better than gold, and you don’t do anything with it."

"You have your choice. Not every country has that choice. Almost no country has that choice."

Discussing his call with Mr Burnham, Mr Trump added: "I think we’re going to have a very good relationship.

"We’ll see. I’m not going to tell him how to run his country.

"But I can tell you, immigration is an incredible problem for Europe.

"You’re allowing people in that, in many cases, are not going to help you. I’m going to be nice. They’re not going to help you."

Mr Trump also said: "It’s very sad when I see what’s happening to Europe.

"It’s very sad to me, but they have a problem with immigration.

"They have a problem with energy. They have windmills all over the place. Windmills, you lose your shirt.

"Any country with windmills is a loser. Okay, you just have to look."

Labour’s 2024 manifesto vowed not to issue North Sea licences and Mr Burnham previously promised to stand by commitments made in the manifesto.

However, Mr Burnham told his US counterpart that he will be "pragmatic" about North Sea oil, leaving the door open for future drilling in the area.

The Prime Minister said: "I indicated in the phone call that we had a week last Monday that I would take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea, and that is my intention as we go forward from here."

Mr Burnham promoted Ed Miliband, who was a strong supporter of Labour's North Sea manifesto commitment, to the post of Foreign Secretary after entering No10.

Meanwhile, new Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh has said the manifesto was clear there is scope to exploit existing licences and that oil and gas are “part of the mix".

However, she was not drawn on whether there are plans to go any further.

Mr Burnham was extremely critical of Mr Trump before becoming Prime Minister last month.

While serving as Mayor of Greater Manchester, the 56-year-old said that he would refuse to meet Mr Trump as a "matter of principle".