‘Of course I’d call out Trump’: UK’s new PM Andy Burnham signals tougher approach to US ties in first major interview

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has made it clear that while he values a strong relationship with the United States, he will not hesitate to challenge US President Donald Trump whenever Britain’s national interests are at stake.

In his first major interview since taking office, Burnham outlined his approach to foreign policy, saying every national leader has a responsibility to defend their own country’s interests even if that means disagreeing with close allies.

‘Of course’ I’d challenge Trump

During an interview with the BBC, Burnham was asked whether he would publicly call out Donald Trump if he believed it was the right thing to do.

His response was direct.”Of course. All leaders have to do that. 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.”

The remarks come just days after Andy Burnham became Britain’s seventh Prime Minister in a decade following the resignation of Keir Starmer.

His comments provide the clearest indication yet of how he intends to manage the UK’s relationship with Trump, who returned to the White House earlier this year.

Warm first conversation, but no unconditional support

Despite signalling that he is prepared to disagree with the US President, Burnham described his first phone call with Donald Trump as positive.

He said the American leader was “really warm” during their conversation and noted that the discussion had gone well.

However, when repeatedly asked whether he trusted Trump, Burnham avoided giving a direct answer.”It’s a changing world isn’t it, and you just obviously have to call things as they develop.”

He added that he would never rule out taking a different position from Washington if he believed it was in Britain’s best interests.”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.”

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Concerns over Iran conflict

Burnham also revealed that he had concerns about Trump’s decision to initiate military action involving Iran.

While he did not elaborate extensively, the Prime Minister stressed that he would always speak openly if he believed the United Kingdom should pursue a different foreign policy approach.”I wouldn’t hold back from saying what I think is right.”

The statement marks a notable shift from the often turbulent relationship between Trump and former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose government clashed with Washington on issues including Iran, immigration, climate policy, technology regulation, and trade.

Trump wishes Burnham ‘Good Luck and Godspeed’

Relations between the two leaders nevertheless appear to have begun on a cordial note.

Although Donald Trump had previously described Andy Burnham as “extremely liberal,” he later offered warm remarks after speaking with the new British Prime Minister.

According to Trump, the leaders discussed trade, defence cooperation, North Sea oil, military partnerships, and efforts to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz.”The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the USA will be there to help!”

He concluded his message by saying:”The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!”

Downing Street later confirmed that both leaders agreed to remain in close contact and are expected to meet in person in the near future.

No early election, defence remains priority

Domestically, Burnham dismissed speculation that he could seek an early general election.”I’m going to rule it out. Yeah, there’s no early general election. I don’t think people want it.”

He said his immediate focus is on improving Britain’s economy and public services rather than returning to the polls.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 under NATO commitments. However, he stopped short of promising to reach 3% of GDP by 2030, saying funding decisions would be reviewed ahead of the government’s upcoming budget.

As Andy Burnham settles into office, his remarks suggest Britain will seek to maintain close ties with the United States while remaining prepared to pursue an independent course whenever national interests require it.