UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said he will openly challenge US President Donald Trump whenever necessary to protect Britain’s national interests, while refraining from saying whether he trusts the US leader.In an exclusive interview with the BBC, his first major meeting since taking office, Burnham said he had a “really warm” initial dialogue with Trump, but stressed that he would not hesitate to disagree with the US president if Britain’s interests required it.Burnham told the BBC: “I can’t say at any time that I wouldn’t have a different opinion, that I would need to express a different idea that is appropriate for Britain.”When asked if he would attack Trump if it were the right thing to do, he replied: “Of course.
“You have to defend your national interest before anything else.”
Burnham was sworn in as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom on 20 July 2026. He took office at Buckingham Palace after meeting with King Charles III.
He avoids saying whether he trusts Trump
Although he described his first interaction with Trump as positive, Burnham stopped short of saying whether he trusted the US president.When asked twice about confidence, he avoided giving a direct answer, saying: “It’s a changing world, isn’t it, and obviously you have to name things as they evolve.”
The Prime Minister also said that becoming Britain’s leader would not change his relationship with the public. “My strength lies in staying close to the people, close to the public. This will not change as prime minister,” he said, adding that he “will always put Britain’s interests first.”
raises concerns about Iran conflict
Burnham also revealed his concern about Trump’s decision to start a conflict with Iran, adding that he will not back down from voicing his views when he believes this is the right path for Britain.He added: “I will not back down from saying what I think is right.”
It is unlikely that early general elections will be held
Burnham also dismissed speculation about a snap general election before 2029, saying he would “rule that out” because he did not think the public wanted another vote so soon. Instead, he said, his priority is to “get the country back where it should be.”
The defense spending target remains undetermined
On defence, Burnham refused to commit to a timetable for increasing UK defense spending to 3 per cent of GDP, although Chancellor John Healey had previously claimed the target should be met by 2030 to keep the country safe.Burnham said he appointed Healey knowing his position on defense spending, but insisted the government’s immediate priority was to ensure the current defense investment plan was fully funded before this year’s budget.
