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Burnham ready to call out Trump to defend UK interests
Published : Sunday, 26 July, 2026 at 4:27 PM
Observer Online Report
British PM Andy Burnham said he is prepared to call out US President to defend Britain’s national interest before anything else. BBC reported.
He made the statement in his first major interview as Prime Minister with the BBC. Burnham said he had a good first exchange with Trump, finding him ‘really warm.’
However, when asked twice if he would trust the US president, Burnham avoided a direct answer. He noted that the world is changing and one must assess things as they develop.
He stated he cannot guarantee he will not hold a different opinion from Trump, adding he will voice ideas that are right for Britain when necessary.
"My strength is remaining close to people, close to the public, which will not change as Prime Minister," Burnham said.
Burnham also expressed concern over the US president starting a conflict with Iran. He added that he would not hold back from voicing what he believes is right.
Meanwhile, the prime minister declined to commit to a specific date for increasing defense spending to 3 percent of GDP.
His Chancellor, John Healey, had previously resigned from the government over this issue. Healey had insisted that the country would not be safe unless defense spending reached three per cent by 2030.
Burnham said he appointed his new chancellor fully aware of his stance on defense spending.
He stated that the immediate challenge for both of them is ensuring the defense investment plan is fully funded ahead of the upcoming budget later this year.
When pressed again about the commitment to reach 3 percent of GDP, he said they must work out a way to achieve it.
Additionally, Burnham explicitly ruled out holding an early general election before 2029, saying he does not think the public wants one.
He stressed that his main focus is getting the country back on the right track.
-SA
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
