Britain’s Prime Minister Andy Burnham holds a National Economic Council meeting at No 10 North at Heron House in Manchester July 24, 2026. — Christopher Furlong/Pool/AFP pic Summary In a recent BBC interview, new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed a commitment to prioritizing Britain's interests in dealings with US President Donald Trump, following what he described as a "warm" initial phone call. Burnham highlighted his willingness to voice differing opinions and take independent stances when necessary, emphasizing the importance of protecting national interests. Although he refrained from explicitly expressing trust in Trump, Burnham assured that he would address any required concerns with the American leader. Despite previous tensions with former Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed support for Burnham's leadership on his Truth Social platform. First Published: Sunday, 26 Jul 2026 8:12 PM MYT LONDON, July 26 — New UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said he may “take a different opinion” from US President Donald Trump and will “put Britain’s interest first” when dealing with the American leader.In excerpts released today of a BBC interview conducted Friday, Burnham said his first call with Trump held just hours after he replaced Keir Starmer in Downing Street on Monday was “warm”.“Obviously we will continue to build the relationship as we go forward” Burnham told the broadcaster, in his first media interview since taking power.“It’s a changing world... and you just have to obviously call things as they develop.“I can’t at any point say that I won’t take a different opinion from him, that I will need to voice a different idea that is right for Britain. And I will do that.”Burnham, 56, a veteran figure within centre-left ruling Labour who was the mayor of Greater Manchester in northern England for nine years from 2017, twice declined to directly answer whether he trusts Trump.The UK’s new leader also insisted he would “of course” be willing to call the US president out if needed.“You have to defend your own national interest before anything else,” he said.“That’s what you’re required to do if you’re to do this job properly. I will always put Britain’s interest first.”Following Monday’s phone call, Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that Burnham “has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it”.He pledged his country “will be there to help”.However, in remarks last month the US leader had branded him “extremely liberal”.Trump had a sometimes fractious relationship with Starmer, which soured in particular over the Iran conflict. — AFP