President Donald Trump stated Monday that he held a "very good" initial conversation with Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who recently assumed office.
During the call, Trump and Burnham discussed numerous subjects, including the enduring U.S.-U.K. relationship, North Sea oil, trade, the military alliance between the two nations, and efforts to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz. Trump pledged American support for Burnham as he begins his tenure. "The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the U.S.A. will be there to help!" Trump said.
Burnham's office confirmed the conversation, stating that the prime minister looked forward to welcoming Trump to Manchester during a future visit. According to Downing Street, Trump provided Burnham with an update on the situation in the Middle East. Burnham, in turn, reaffirmed the United Kingdom's commitment to ensuring the safe passage of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global supply chains.
"The Prime Minister outlined the UK’s commitment to securing the movement of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz to support global supply chains and drive down costs for businesses and families across the country," the British office stated. Burnham also emphasized that defense and security would remain a top priority for the U.K. alongside its allies. Domestically, Burnham indicated his intention to pursue reindustrialization efforts to foster economic growth.
Trump described the conversation as a success, adding, "The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!"
Burnham became Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade on Monday. He succeeds Keir Starmer, who served for just over two years after taking office in the summer of 2024.
