UK PM Burnham Says He'll Put Britain's Interests First in Dealings With Trump

Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is prepared to take positions that differ from those of US President Donald Trump, stressing that protecting Britain's national interests will remain the guiding principle of his government.

In excerpts from his first broadcast interview since assuming office, released by the BBC on Sunday, Burnham said his first telephone conversation with Trump shortly after becoming prime minister was cordial but made clear that close ties with Washington would not prevent him from pursuing policies he believes are in Britain's best interests.

"Obviously we will continue to build the relationship as we go forward," Burnham said.

The Labour leader, who succeeded Keir Starmer as prime minister last Monday, acknowledged that global politics had become increasingly unpredictable, requiring governments to respond independently to evolving events.

"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."

'Britain Comes First'

Asked whether he trusted the US president, Burnham twice declined to give a direct answer.

However, he emphasised that any relationship with Washington would be based on advancing Britain's interests rather than personal or political considerations.

"You have to defend your own national interest before anything else," he said.

"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 also indicated he would be willing to publicly disagree with Trump whenever necessary.

When asked whether he would challenge the US president if circumstances required, he replied: "Of course."

First Contact With Trump

The interview comes days after Burnham's first official conversation with Trump following his confirmation as Labour leader and Britain's new prime minister.

After the call, Trump described the discussion as positive in a post on his Truth Social platform.

"He has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it," Trump wrote.

The US president also pledged that the United States would support the new British government.

"We will be there to help."

A New Labour Leader

Burnham, 56, is one of Labour's longest-serving senior politicians and previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester from 2017 until becoming prime minister.

His elevation to Downing Street follows Labour's leadership transition after Keir Starmer stepped down.

During his acceptance speech at Labour's special conference, Burnham promised to focus on economic growth, public services and restoring public confidence in government while strengthening Britain's role on the international stage.

Background

The United Kingdom and the United States maintain what successive governments have described as a "special relationship," built on close cooperation in defence, intelligence, trade and foreign policy.

Relations between Washington and London experienced periods of tension during Keir Starmer's premiership, particularly over differences in approach to the conflict involving Iran, although both governments continued to cooperate on broader security and economic issues.

Burnham's remarks suggest his administration intends to preserve strong transatlantic ties while adopting a more explicitly independent approach where British national interests diverge from those of the United States.