Burnham says he will publicly disagree with Trump if needed
8 reported
Prime Minister Andy Burnham stated in his first major broadcast interview since taking office that he would publicly disagree with US President Donald Trump if necessary to defend British interests. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting separately said he believes the Trump administration values allies who are straightforward rather than those who “suck up.” Burnham spoke with Trump shortly after entering No 10 in a call described as warm by Downing Street officials. However, potential early tensions exist as Washington resumes attacks on Iran, with Burnham maintaining the previous policy of not backing US offensive operations. Streeting said he told his US counterpart, Pete Hegseth, that the UK has not and will not support offensive action in Iran. Burnham also ruled out an early general election, stating people voted for a manifesto in 2024 and he needs to focus on the country.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham promised to disagree with Donald Trump in public if needed, in his first big broadcast interview as prime minister.
Wes Streeting said he believes the Trump administration is not looking for allies who “suck up” but those with confidence to set out disagreements.
Burnham spoke to Trump shortly after entering No 10 in a call described as warm by Downing Street officials.
Washington is resuming attacks on Iran, and Burnham sticks to the policy of not backing US offensive operations, which previously prompted public attacks from Trump.
Burnham told BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg: “I can’t at any point say that I won’t take a different opinion from him [Trump].”
Streeting told Sky News he was “clear that we have not supported offensive action in Iran and we won’t support offensive action in Iran.”
Burnham ruled out an early general election, saying people “voted for a manifesto” in 2024.
Burnham refused to give a timetable for increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP, a goal of Chancellor John Healey.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, prime minister
Wes Streeting, defence secretary
Donald Trump, US president
Pete Hegseth, US defence secretary (as referenced by Streeting)
John Healey, chancellor (former defence secretary under Keir Starmer)
Laura Kuenssberg, BBC presenter
Trevor Phillips, Sky News presenter
Sources: The Guardian
