New PM Burnham vows to put 'Britain's interest first' in Trump ties

New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he may take a different position from U.S. President Donald Trump and will always put Britain's interest first. He made the comments in his first broadcast interview since replacing Keir Starmer in Downing Street this week.

What did Andy Burnham say about Trump?

Burnham told the BBC he could not rule out disagreeing with Trump on issues that affect Britain. He said his first phone call with the U.S. president, held hours after taking office, was warm. Burnham added that he would voice a different view when needed, saying "I will do that."

Will Burnham call out Trump if needed?

Burnham confirmed he would "of course" challenge Trump publicly if the situation required it. He said defending the national interest comes before anything else in the role. "That's what you're required to do if you're to do this job properly," he said, adding that he would always put Britain's interest first.

Does Burnham trust Donald Trump?

Burnham twice avoided directly answering whether he trusts Trump during the interview. Instead, he described the relationship in practical terms, saying the world is changing and leaders have to respond to events as they unfold. He did not elaborate further on the question of trust.

Who is Andy Burnham?

Burnham, 56, is a longstanding figure on the center-left of the ruling Labour Party. He served as mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England for nine years starting in 2017, before becoming prime minister this week.

How did Trump respond to Burnham?

Following their Monday phone call, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that Burnham "has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it." He also pledged that the United States "will be there to help." The comments came weeks after Trump had described Burnham as "extremely liberal."

How did Trump's relationship with Starmer compare?

Trump's ties with Starmer were often strained, particularly over disagreements during the Iran conflict. Burnham's early remarks suggest a similar willingness to diverge from Washington when British interests are at stake, though his first direct exchange with Trump was described as warm.