(MENAFN) The United States ambassador to the United Kingdom stated on Monday that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been “listening” to Donald Trump’s appeals for Britain to provide increased backing to North Sea oil and gas companies.

Warren Stephens indicated that he believed there had been “a bit of movement” in UK policy following Trump’s interventions, and he expressed optimism that additional adjustments might follow.

In his first televised interview since assuming his role, Stephens – a former investment banker – spoke to a news agency and mentioned that he had participated in meetings between Starmer and Trump during the US president’s state visit to the UK in September, during which North Sea oil policy was a topic of discussion.

“I hope that the UK will continue to examine the policies in the North Sea and frankly, make some changes to it. To allow for more drilling and more production,” Stephens remarked. “Because you’re getting – you’re using oil and gas but you’re importing it. Why not use your own?”

When asked whether Starmer was “listening” to Trump’s perspective during these conversations, Stephens responded: “Yes, absolutely. And I think there are certainly members of the government that are listening to that. And there is a little bit of movement to make some changes to the policy. And I hope that will continue.”

Stephens also addressed reports suggesting that the UK administration might eliminate the windfall tax on North Sea oil and gas companies sooner than initially planned.

“But it’s not just US companies; it’s a lot of UK companies here,” he said. “I literally just had a meeting with a lot of them, a round table, and they’re worried about their supply chain. They’re worried about their workforce because right now they don’t have enough work for their workers."

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