Burnham sets tougher tone with Trump, rules out UK election before 2029
What's next: Burnham also left open how Britain will fund a rise in defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham signaled a firmer approach to President Donald Trump in his first major interview since taking office, saying he would challenge the US leader when Britain's interests required it. Burnham, who became prime minister on July 20, said he had a good initial conversation with Trump but stressed that any UK leader must put national interests first. In the BBC interview, Burnham also ruled out an early general election and said there would be no vote before 2029. On defense, he backed Britain's pledge to meet NATO's new target of spending 3.5% of GDP by 2035, but did not commit to reaching 3% by 2030. The funding plan is expected to be a major issue ahead of the budget later this year.