UK PM Andy Burnham says he is ready to call out Donald Trump in order to defend Britain’s national interest. In a recent interview, Burnham talked about having a “good exchange” with the US president. He also remains hopeful for the future of transatlantic diplomatic relations.
Andy Burnham says Britain’s national interest must come before agreement with Donald Trump
Speaking with the BBC, Andy Burnham, the new Prime Minister of the U.K., said he had a recent conversation with Donald Trump over the phone, revealing that he found the US president to be “really warm.”
However, when asked whether he would trust Trump, Burnham did not answer directly. He stated, “it’s a changing world, isn’t it, and you just obviously have to call things as they develop.” The UK Prime Minister added, “I can’t at any point say that I won’t take a different opinion from him [Trump], that I will need to voice a different idea that is right for Britain.” Burnham also said, “My strength is remaining close to people, close to the public, that will not change as prime minister.”
When asked whether he would call out Trump if he believed it to be the right thing to do, Burnham declared, “Of course.” The UK PM added, “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 went on to say that he had “concern” about Trump launching the war in Iran. He further assured that he “wouldn’t hold back from saying” what he thinks is right.
Burnham became the prime minister on July 20. He is the first Labour and the Co-operative Party MP to assume the office. Burnham succeeded Keir Starmer, whose government was rocked by a series of policy reversals and crushing losses in local elections.
