Prime Minister Andy Burnham believes the results of the US midterm elections present an opportunity to unite around the cost of living, stating that pressures on household finances cannot be eased until the conflict between the US and Iran is resolved. Burnham, speaking from the Commonwealth leaders summit, also promised to push for resolutions to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
President Trump acknowledged that rising fuel prices, attributed to the Iran war, contributed to his party's losses in the midterms. He expressed understanding that voters might not accept the short-term consequences of increased gasoline costs, despite agreeing with his policies on Iran.
Burnham asserted that voters in the US have signaled a desire for global cooperation on issues that matter to people. He indicated that, regardless of the midterm outcomes, the world has a chance to come together on the cost of living crisis, an issue he has prioritized. He emphasized that progress on this front is contingent on resolving conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and he intends to advocate for this global focus in discussions with other leaders.
During Prime Minister's Questions, Cabinet Office Minister Louise Haigh addressed the midterm results in Burnham's absence. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper criticized the US president's policies and the economic instability they have caused, urging the government to oppose further strikes on Iran. Haigh affirmed the UK's alliance with the US and its commitment to de-escalation, describing the Iran war as catastrophic for the cost of living crisis and questioning the judgment of those who advocated for direct involvement.
Earlier, President Trump had suggested the potential for intensified US and Israeli strikes on Iran following the midterms if an agreement could not be reached, stating the US was prepared but that it might not be necessary. Indirect talks between the US and Iran have been stalled, with some analysts suggesting the regime might prolong negotiations to leverage rising fuel costs against Trump electorally. While a Democrat-controlled Congress could restrict funding, the US president retains significant foreign policy authority.