Burnham Sets Out Trump Strategy on Day 1 as North Sea Drilling Poses First Test
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 20
Burnham Sets Out Trump Strategy on Day 1 as North Sea Drilling Poses First Test
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 20
Summary
Andy Burnham, sworn in as Britain’s prime minister on Monday, said he would handle President Trump by being “yourself,” respecting the office and confronting disagreements directly.
North Sea drilling is shaping up as the first practical test of that approach, putting the new premier’s promised mix of candor and pragmatism under immediate pressure.
Burnham argued he could withstand Trump’s forceful style, saying he had “some personality” himself and would deal with the US president “very upfront.”
Keir Starmer’s experience looms over the relationship: after trying to flatter Trump in early 2025, he still faced US tariffs and later public attacks when he refused use of British bases during the US-Israeli war with Iran.