Key facts
- U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
- The conversation covered North Sea oil, trade, military alliance, and demining the Strait of Hormuz.
- Burnham pledged London's commitment to defense and security and support for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
- Trump indicated a future meeting with Burnham.
- Trump had previously expressed skepticism about Burnham's policies.
U.S. President Donald Trump reported on Monday having a "very good conversation" with the newly appointed British Prime Minister Andy Burnham, with whom he expects to meet in the near future. Burnham assumed the role of Britain's seventh prime minister in ten years, vowing to implement a new economic model and address public dissatisfaction with leadership changes.
During their discussion, Trump and Burnham covered topics including North Sea oil, trade, the military alliance, and demining efforts in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump described the call as "interesting" and successful. Burnham's office confirmed his commitment to defense and security, as well as support for the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been a point of contention and contributed to rising energy prices.
Previously, Trump had expressed reservations about Burnham, labeling him "extremely liberal" and questioning his potential approach to oil drilling in the North Sea. Relations between Trump and the former British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously deteriorated over the U.S.-led war on Iran, immigration, and energy and tech regulations, particularly after Britain initially rejected a U.S. request to use its bases for strikes on Iran.