Burnham Pledges Direct Trump Approach Before Taking UK Premiership on Monday
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 20
Burnham Pledges Direct Trump Approach Before Taking UK Premiership on Monday
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 20
Summary
Andy Burnham said he would handle President Donald Trump "very upfront" when he becomes Britain’s prime minister on Monday, framing the relationship as respectful but candid.
In a video interview last week, Burnham said leaders should "be yourself," respect the U.K.-U.S. relationship and voice disagreements by "meeting him where he’s at."
Keir Starmer’s experience looms over that approach: after trying to flatter Trump in early 2025, he still faced U.S. tariffs on Britain and later public attacks after refusing use of British bases in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
North Sea drilling is shaping up as an early test of whether Burnham’s more direct style can manage a volatile White House without repeating his predecessor’s setbacks.