Britain's new prime minister will not hesitate to break ranks with Donald Trump publicly if the national interest demands it, Andy Burnham declared in his first major television interview since taking office.
Burnham spoke on BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, laying out a framework for managing the relationship with Washington that prioritizes British interests over diplomatic niceties. "You have to defend your own national interest before anything else," he said. "That's what you're required to do if you're to do this job properly."
The prime minister acknowledged that his foreign policy credentials remain thin, but he has already had direct contact with Trump. Downing Street described an early phone call between the two leaders as warm, though the relationship is expected to face friction over military strategy.
The most immediate flashpoint centers on Iran. Washington has resumed military operations against Iranian targets, but Britain maintains its longstanding policy of refusing to support US offensive action in the region. That stance angered Trump under the previous government.
Wes Streeting, the new defence secretary, reinforced the message in a separate interview with Sky News. He told Trump's defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, that Britain would not back offensive operations against Iran, but signaled openness to other forms of cooperation. Streeting pushed back against the assumption that Trump values sycophancy from allies.
"The first thing you do is, you don't suck up," Streeting said. "My impression is, President Trump, his administration, that's not what they're looking for. He's a straight talker."
When asked directly if he trusted the US president, Streeting declined to answer in personal terms. "I don't know him, but I do trust the United States," he replied, emphasizing the institutional bond between the two nations on defence and security matters.
Burnham also addressed domestic pressures on military spending. Defence Secretary John Healey, now chancellor after resigning from his previous post, wants to accelerate Britain's defence budget to 3 percent of GDP. Burnham said he is aware of the desire but refused to offer a timeline, framing the immediate challenge as ensuring the current defence plan is fully funded ahead of a budget review later in the year.
Streeting echoed concerns about how any increased funding would be deployed, citing longstanding problems with defence procurement and value for money. He warned that the Ministry of Defence must spend wisely, not just because it reflects good governance but because taxpayers are already carrying a heavy load.
On the political calendar, Burnham dismissed speculation about an early general election, even if a polling bounce might benefit Labour. He said voters had made their choice in 2024 and deserved focus on core governance rather than a fresh campaign.
Author James Rodriguez: "Burnham's willingness to confront Trump over Iran shows he understands that genuine partnership sometimes means saying no, but he'll need to prove he can back that talk with consistent action when the real pressure comes."
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