Britain’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has pledged to always put the United Kingdom’s national interest first in his dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump, saying he will not hesitate to disagree with the American leader whenever necessary.
Burnham made the remarks in his first major media interview since assuming office, in excerpts released by the BBC on Sunday.
The new British leader revealed that his first phone conversation with Trump, which took place just hours after he succeeded Keir Starmer as Prime Minister on Monday, was cordial and positive.
“Obviously we will continue to build the relationship as we go forward,” Burnham said.
While expressing his desire to maintain a strong relationship with the United States, Burnham made it clear that he would always defend Britain’s interests, even if it meant taking a different position from Trump.
“It’s a changing world… and you just have to obviously call things as they develop. I can’t at any point say that I won’t take a different opinion from him, that I will need to voice a different idea that is right for Britain. And I will do that,” he stated.
The 56-year-old Labour politician, who previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester for nine years, also declined to directly answer when asked whether he trusts the U.S. president.
However, he stressed that he would not shy away from challenging Trump whenever Britain’s interests were at stake.
“You have to defend your own national interest before anything else. That’s what you’re required to do if you’re to do this job properly. I will always put Britain’s interest first,” Burnham said.
Following their phone conversation, President Trump congratulated Burnham in a post on his Truth Social platform, expressing confidence in the new prime minister.
“He has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it,” Trump wrote, adding that the United States “will be there to help.”
Despite the warm exchange, Trump had previously described Burnham as “extremely liberal” in remarks made last month.
Burnham’s comments come after a sometimes strained relationship between Trump and former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, particularly over disagreements surrounding the conflict involving Iran.
Political observers are expected to closely watch how the new UK leader balances cooperation with Washington while pursuing policies that reflect Britain’s national priorities.
Source: AFP.
