Andy Burnham, the newly appointed prime minister, has pledged that he will publicly express disagreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump if British national interests require it. Burnham’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran and represent an early indication of how the UK government plans to navigate its relationship with Washington under his leadership.
Speaking in his first major broadcast interview since taking office, Burnham acknowledged the potential for differing views with Trump, saying he would not hesitate to voice a position he deemed right for Britain, even if that meant a public divergence. “You have to defend your own national interest before anything else,” Burnham stated during an appearance on BBC One’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg.
Burnham’s position mirrors that of his predecessor, Keir Starmer, who maintained a stance against supporting offensive U.S. military actions against Iran. This approach has generated friction in the past, with Trump publicly criticizing the UK for not backing Washington’s more aggressive posture.
Meanwhile, Wes Streeting, the new defense secretary, underscored the UK’s continued reluctance to endorse offensive operations targeting Iran but emphasized the scope for cooperation in other areas. Speaking on Sky News’ Sunday Morning with Trevor Phillips, Streeting said he had communicated these policy differences clearly to his U.S. counterpart, Pete Hegseth.
Streeting highlighted the importance of candid dialogue with American officials, observing that the Trump administration valued straightforwardness over sycophancy. “The first thing you do is, you don’t suck up. My impression is, President Trump, his administration—that’s not what they’re looking for. He’s a straight talker,” Streeting explained when asked about the nature of UK-U.S. ties under Trump.
When questioned about his personal trust in Trump, Streeting acknowledged limited familiarity but affirmed his confidence in the United States as an ally. He also noted that his role offered insight into the strategic and security interdependence between the two nations.
On domestic matters, Burnham dismissed speculation about an early general election, asserting that the government would focus on delivering on the 2024 manifesto rather than seeking an electoral advantage. He said the priority was to restore Britain’s stability and direction.
Regarding defense spending, Burnham acknowledged Chancellor John Healey’s ambition to raise defense expenditure to 3% of GDP but refrained from setting a timeline. Instead, he emphasized the immediate need to ensure the existing defense investment plan is fully funded ahead of the upcoming budget.
Streeting echoed the call for efficient use of defense funds, citing longstanding issues with procurement and value for money. “These things matter not just in abstract, and because it’s the right thing to do to spend money wisely, it’s also because we’re asking a lot of taxpayers,” he remarked.
Amid escalating rhetoric from Tehran, including accusations by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the UK is complicit in U.S. “aggression and war crimes,” the British government has maintained its refusal to participate in offensive strikes against Iran. Nevertheless, the UK has permitted the U.S. to conduct defensive operations from British bases hosting American personnel.
Streeting reiterated that while the UK has taken part only in defensive measures to protect its personnel and interests, it remains prepared to respond to any hostile acts targeting the country or its allies. In response to concerns about potential Iranian retaliation, Streeting said, “We stand ready to respond to any attacks that Iran wishes to wage against this country or our allies, and we will continue to do that.”
The statements from Burnham and Streeting signal a continuation of cautious UK policy on Iran, balancing solidarity with the United States against the imperative to defend national interests independently.