World Leaders React to Prospect of Andy Burnham as UK Prime Minister
World Leaders React to Prospect of Andy Burnham as UK Prime Minister
Foreign officials and state media have responded to the likelihood that Andy Burnham will become the UK's next prime minister after Keir Starmer.
- Russia's Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said no British politician is likely to have a different position on Russia-UK relations than Keir Starmer's.
- France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot wished Burnham well and said he hoped for as much stability as possible from the new government.
- Andy Burnham has stated his opposition to Russia's annexation of Crimea and his support for Ukraine since the 2022 full-scale invasion.
Latest developments
Subsequently, frontrunner Andy Burnham has apologized for Labour's stance on the Gaza conflict during his tenure as a senior figure. Outgoing Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned him to prepare a detailed plan for governing, cautioning that he will face immediate shocks and challenges upon entering No. 10. Meanwhile, Labour whips have pushed back against his promise of a more tolerant approach to party discipline, arguing that their role is about maintaining consensus. A defence funding shortfall of £1.2bn annually has also been identified in the government's plan, which Burnham's allies have described as an 'unexploded bomb' left by Keir Starmer.
- Andy Burnham has apologized for Labour's initial response to the Gaza war, saying the party "didn't get it right" and needs to "do better" under his leadership.
- Key adviser Miatta Fahnbulleh said Burnham would prioritize addressing the cost of living and expects those at the bottom to have more money under a Burnham government.
- Influential Labour backbenchers are calling on Burnham to restore the UK's 0.7% aid-spending target, after cuts by Keir Starmer prompted the development minister's resignation.
- Andy Burnham has secured the Labour Party leadership with 349 MP nominations and is expected to be formally confirmed on Friday, becoming prime minister on 20 July.
Coverage
37 outlets — read the original reporting
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Burnham cements Labour leadership with backing of 349 MPs
بيرنهام يدرس الموازنة البريطانية الجديدة وسط صعوبات بالغة
إلى أي مدى يستطيع بيرنام تغيير موقف لندن من إسرائيل؟
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Reeves tells BBC: Burnham needs worked-through plan to govern from the start
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