UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he is prepared to openly disagree with United States President Donald Trump whenever necessary to safeguard Britain’s national interests.
Speaking during an interview with the BBC, Mr Burnham confirmed that he would criticise Mr Trump if the situation required it, stressing that protecting the country’s interests remained his primary responsibility as prime minister.
“Yes, of course,” Burnham said when asked whether he would call out the US president when necessary.
“You have to put your own national interest first. That is what you are expected to do if you want to carry out this role properly,” he added.
The prime minister, who assumed office on July 20, described his first meeting with Trump as positive, saying he found the US leader “really warm”. However, he avoided giving a direct answer when asked if he trusted the American president.
Burnham said the changing nature of global affairs meant he would continue to assess issues as they emerged and would not hesitate to express a different position from Trump if it was in Britain’s best interest.
“I cannot promise that I will never disagree with him or that I will not have to present a different view when it is the right thing for Britain,” he said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to staying connected with ordinary citizens, saying maintaining close ties with the public would remain central to his leadership.
The UK leader also criticised Trump’s decision to launch military action against Iran, describing it as a matter where he would continue to speak openly about what he believes is right.
On defence spending, Burnham declined to provide a specific timeline for raising the country’s defence budget to three per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). He said his government needed to first determine how the increase would be funded.
His Chancellor, John Healey, had previously resigned from the former government over its refusal to commit to reaching the three per cent defence spending target by 2030, warning that Britain’s security could be at risk without the increase.
Burnham said he appointed Healey fully aware of his strong position on defence funding and acknowledged that ensuring a properly financed defence investment plan was the government’s immediate priority ahead of the budget later in the year.
Meanwhile, the prime minister ruled out the possibility of an early general election before 2029, saying the public was not interested in another election at the moment.
“I’m going to rule it out. I don’t think people want it,” Burnham said, adding that his government’s focus was on rebuilding the country and restoring public confidence.