Burnham Assumes Premiership, Extends G20 Invitation to Trump
New Prime Minister engages global leaders, discusses future cooperation and energy policy.
Callum Smith
Andy Burnham officially assumed the role of Prime Minister, immediately engaging with international leaders and extending a significant invitation to US President Donald Trump.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham invited President Donald Trump to visit Manchester; Trump accepted the offer.
An official with direct knowledge of the call confirmed Trump indicated he would take the new Prime Minister up on the offer.
The discussion between the two leaders also referenced the upcoming 2027 G20 summit, which Manchester will host.
The G20 gathers leaders from 19 nations, the European Union, and the African Union, making the summit a significant global event.
This early engagement with President Trump follows a historical pattern; new British prime ministers prioritize calls with the US President, upholding the 'special relationship' between the two nations.
These initial diplomatic overtures establish frameworks for future cooperation and strategic alignment on the international stage.
Beyond Washington, leaders across Europe and the wider world extended congratulations to Burnham.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz all reached out.
European Union leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, stated a desire for strengthened EU-UK relations under Burnham's leadership.
These international figures highlighted the importance of continued cooperation, shared values, and a united front in addressing global challenges alongside the United Kingdom.
Volodymyr Zelensky specifically wished Andy Burnham success in addressing challenges.
Meanwhile, Burnham outlined his vision for his premiership, focusing on reindustrialization and good growth for the nation.
During his call with President Trump, they also discussed the World Cup and the critical situation in the Hormuz Strait.
Burnham affirmed the UK's commitment to securing free movement of shipping in the Hormuz Strait, a vital global trade artery.
Donald Trump, however, offered a more pointed assessment, commenting on the new prime minister's perceived liberalism and potential stance on North Sea oil and gas drilling.
I don’t know, I think I see that he was, I guess, the mayor of a town. I hear he’s extremely liberal, extremely.
New oil and gas drilling in the North Sea also formed part of the discussion between Burnham and Trump.
Donald Trump claimed Andy Burnham had said he would open up North Sea oil, a move marking a significant shift in energy policy.
Trump also claimed people in Aberdeen would be "dancing in the streets" following new fossil fuel production, pointing to the economic impact on regions dependent on the industry.
This claim directly contrasts with Labour's 2024 manifesto, which explicitly stated the party would not issue new North Sea licenses.
Burnham could claim not to break the manifesto pledge by approving projects at the Jackdaw and Rosebank fields, where licenses have already been granted.
The decision on North Sea drilling holds profound implications for the UK's energy security, its climate commitments, and the economic landscape of regions like Scotland.
This strategic shift follows Sir Keir Starmer formally stepping down as Prime Minister, paving the way for Burnham's ascension.
A Metropolitan Police ban prevented protesters from playing loud music outside Downing Street during the speeches, maintaining order during the transition.
Finally, Shabana Mahmood is widely tipped as the favorite to be appointed Chancellor, signaling potential shifts in the new government's economic leadership.