Andy Burnham, the UK’s new Prime Minister, says he is prepared to challenge US President Donald Trump if it is in Britain’s interests. Speaking to the BBC in an interview that is reported by multiple outlets, Burnham says he had a “good” and “warm” first conversation with Trump, and that he wants to approach the relationship constructively. However, he also argues that leaders must protect their own countries’ national interests. Asked about whether he would call out Trump, Burnham says that “you have to defend your own national interest” and that he would do so if required. Several reports note the contrast with the previous UK government, highlighting that Keir Starmer had a strained or fraught relationship with Trump. The outlets summarise Burnham’s position as prioritising the UK’s interests first while maintaining engagement with the US President, with a willingness to disagree publicly or directly when necessary.