Trump derides likely UK leader Burnham as ‘extremely liberal’
Why it matters: The remarks point to early friction as Burnham nears power and could reopen disputes over North Sea oil, immigration and security.
President Donald Trump mocked Andy Burnham, the British politician poised to become the next UK prime minister, as “extremely liberal” during a June 24 White House meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Trump said he knew little about Burnham beyond his time as mayor of Greater Manchester and suggested that political stance would make him less likely to expand North Sea oil and gas production. Burnham is expected to become Labour leader after Keir Starmer’s exit and could take office by mid-July. Trump had pressed Starmer to increase North Sea drilling, while Starmer’s government refused new oil and gas licenses as it shifted toward greener energy.