Burnham set for No 10: BBC correspondents on what Trump, Putin and others will make of him
BBC News 2026-07-12 23:49:28
Context: Andy Burnham is set to become the UK's next prime minister, prompting international leaders to assess how his premiership will impact their relationships with the UK. BBC correspondents across Europe, Russia, Ukraine, and Asia share their insights on what world leaders, including Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and others, make of a Burnham-led government. The reactions range from cautious optimism to skepticism, as Burnham's foreign policy priorities and stance on key issues remain unclear.
Key Facts
- Donald Trump has been "fairly dismissive" of Andy Burnham, expressing concerns about his potential premiership addressing issues like immigration and North Sea oil drilling, with US officials hoping for continuity in British foreign policy leadership.
- The US administration is pressuring the Burnham team to form a government that aligns with their interests, particularly in regards to Ed Miliband's potential role as chancellor and his stance on environmental policy, including a ban on new North Sea oil and gas drilling licences.
- Chinese officials are watching Burnham's potential premiership closely, having previously extended a "charm offensive" to Keir Starmer, and are likely to showcase their latest infrastructure advances if Burnham visits, highlighting China's economic ambition and political continuity.
- Russian state media has described Burnham as a "consistent critic of Russia" who has called for a tougher stance on Russia, with President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, expecting no change in British policy towards Russia under Burnham's leadership.
- Ukrainian officials are concerned about the risk of political instability in Britain but are reassured by Burnham's past comments in support of Ukraine and his opposition to Russia's actions, including the invasion of Crimea in 2014 and the hosting of the 2018 football World Cup.