Andy Burnham, the man about to become prime minister, has held a phone call with Donald Trump during a period of deep uncertainty over the UK’s place in the world. The conversation, confirmed by Channel 4 News, comes as Burnham’s own foreign policy record remains virtually blank after 25 years in politics.
Foreign leaders and diplomats have been left “frustratingly short-changed” when tapping up contacts for information about Burnham’s worldview in recent weeks, according to the New Statesman. The lack of a clear posture raises the stakes for a call that could signal whether the next prime minister will shift Britain’s stance towards the United States.
“Andy Burnham spoke to Donald Trump by phone, raising questions about his foreign policy stance.”
The question now is whether Burnham will continue the cautious, quiet approach of his predecessor Keir Starmer – edging the UK slightly closer to Europe while trying not to offend Washington – or instead side with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has accused Donald Trump of creating a “rupture in the world order”.
Carney’s description, quoted in the New Statesman, underscores the gulf between Trump and many Western allies. Burnham’s decision to take the call – and what he said – will be scrutinised for clues about the UK’s future direction.
After a quarter of a century in politics, Burnham has said little about foreign policy. The phone call with Trump is one of his first significant international engagements before taking office. What was discussed has not been disclosed, but the mere act of speaking to the former US president has already set off alarm bells among those who believe Britain must radically change its posture on the world stage.
“Our posture on the world stage needs radical change,” the New Statesman argued in an editorial, urging Burnham not to bow to Trump. The coming weeks will show whether the prime minister-in-waiting heeds that advice or opts for a more conciliatory line.