Andy Burnham speaks with Donald Trump amid diplomatic shifts
Andy Burnham’s initial conversation with Donald Trump was described as “extremely warm” by Downing Street, following the US leader’s positive appraisal of their phone call, reports BritPanorama.
The Makerfield MP secured an early endorsement from Mr Trump, with the discussion occurring shortly after Mr Burnham’s arrival at Downing Street.
In other diplomatic developments, newly appointed Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to hold his first bilateral talks with his US counterpart, Marco Rubio, during Mr Miliband’s trip to the Philippines for the ASEAN summit on Wednesday.
However, Downing Street did not provide details regarding potential future plans for North Sea drilling, even though Mr Trump has championed a policy change under Mr Burnham’s leadership.
The conversation between Mr Burnham and the US leader lasted around 20 minutes, according to sources. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson stated: “It was an extremely warm call and I think that’s reflected in both sides’ readouts.”
After the call, Mr Trump noted that the new prime minister “has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it” and pledged that the US “will be there to help.” This comes as some in the UK expressed concern given that Mr Trump previously referred to Mr Burnham as “extremely liberal” and the “mayor of a town.”
The British embassy in Washington emphasized the call’s significance, describing it as a “reinforcement of the importance of the UK-US partnership from day one,” marking a new chapter in transatlantic relations after tensions with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer over the Iran conflict.
Mr Burnham’s administration is set to allow the US to continue using UK bases for defensive strikes against Iran, as hostilities escalate.
Confirmation of continuity in policy comes following Sir Keir’s decision before passing leadership to Mr Burnham, as Bloomberg reported.
The anticipation surrounding Mr Trump’s endorsement of new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea aligns with the president’s assertive stance on energy. He claimed at the weekend that such a move would lead to celebrations in Aberdeen, though details remain unverified.
Mr Trump asserted that further drilling could elevate the UK “from a Poverty Stricken Disaster to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World.” He added that their discussions encompassed North Sea oil, trade, and the demining of the Strait of Hormuz.
On Tuesday, Downing Street refrained from clarifying whether Mr Trump had accurately captured Mr Burnham’s plans for North Sea oil. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman referred back to prior comments from Mr Burnham on the necessity to “make the economy work for everyone,” suggesting updates would be provided when available.
Mr Miliband, who previously held the energy and net zero brief under Sir Keir, has been consistent in supporting Labour’s manifesto commitment concerning the North Sea. The party’s 2024 manifesto explicitly stated that no new North Sea licenses would be issued.
As for existing licenses, newly appointed Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh remarked that oil and gas would continue to play a part in the energy mix for the future. However, she withheld comments on whether there are plans to advance beyond the current scope.
She noted, “We’re trying to take the country through a transition coming up to 2050. We recognize the role and the important role that oil and gas will play.”
Mr Miliband is expected to leverage his diplomatic skills with US counterparts amid reports of discontent within the Trump administration regarding his appointment. “He’s super strategic. He’s super smart. He builds great relationships, so no doubt he’s going to charm everyone in the US,” Ms Fahnbulleh remarked.
