The unfolding conflict between the United States and Iran is expected to complicate the United Kingdom’s upcoming budget, a minister in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s cabinet has indicated. Bridget Phillipson, Labour chair and minister for women and equalities, highlighted the inflationary pressures stemming from the disruption of global oil supplies caused by the ongoing US military actions in the Middle East. She said these factors present significant challenges for Chancellor John Healey as he formulates next month’s budget.
Phillipson reaffirmed the UK government’s stance of non-involvement in the conflict, describing the decision as appropriate and contrasting it with what she characterized as a more interventionist approach that might have been taken under Conservative leadership. “We took the decision not to involve ourselves in that conflict. That was the right call,” she said. Phillipson criticized figures such as Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, suggesting that under their leadership the UK would have entered “a conflict without end.”
Despite the economic difficulties introduced by the Middle East tensions, Phillipson stated that the UK economy remains on a strong footing, citing positive growth figures. She emphasized that supporting businesses and families affected by the conflict and rising living costs remains a central priority for Burnham’s government and the chancellor’s upcoming financial plans.
The comments come ahead of a scheduled meeting between Prime Minister Burnham and US President Donald Trump at the United Nations General Assembly summit in New York next week. Burnham, who previously served as Greater Manchester mayor, had earlier voiced sharp criticism of Trump, stating the US president was unwelcome in the city and admonishing UK politicians who sought friendly ties with him. However, Phillipson downplayed the significance of these remarks as a barrier to strong bilateral relations.
“People will express views at different points on different topics. And that’s no bar to having a strong relationship,” she said, stressing the longstanding and resilient nature of UK-US ties that transcend individual leaders or political differences. Phillipson remarked that while the UK and US may not always share the same political outlook, the relationship serves the British national interest—a priority Burnham is committed to upholding.
In a separate interview, Phillipson dismissed recent statements by billionaire Jim Ratcliffe, who expressed a loss of confidence in the UK citing concerns about taxation and immigration. Noting that Ratcliffe is a tax resident in Monaco, she suggested his views should be regarded skeptically.
Burnham himself has defended his past criticisms of Trump by framing them as part of routine political discourse, noting the necessity of engaging constructively despite differences. The upcoming Burnham-Trump meeting will mark another attempt to navigate the complexities of the UK-US relationship amid evolving global dynamics and domestic economic pressures.