British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is prepared to challenge US President Donald Trump whenever Britain’s national interests require it, stressing that his government will always put the United Kingdom first.
In his first major interview since taking office, Burnham told the BBC that every national leader has a responsibility to defend their country’s interests, including publicly disagreeing with allies when necessary.
“All leaders have to do that. 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,” Burnham said.
Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer as prime minister after a period in which relations between London and Washington were strained by differences over the US-Israeli war with Iran, immigration, energy policy and technology regulation.
Although Trump initially described Burnham as “extremely liberal”, he later said the two had a “very good conversation” following Burnham’s appointment as Britain’s prime minister.
Burnham also ruled out calling an early general election, saying his government would serve its full term before voters return to the polls in 2029.