New prime minister Andy Burnham used an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg to strike a defiant tone on foreign policy, saying he would stand up to US president Donald Trump if it served Britain's national interest, while also pledging to plug a substantial shortfall in defence spending. The remarks come as Burnham faces his first major test since replacing Keir Starmer last week, and follow criticism that he had avoided big media appearances since taking office.

The interview addressed a £13bn shortfall in the Defence Investment Plan, which prompted John Healey's resignation before Burnham brought him back as chancellor, plus a further £4.7bn black hole subsequently uncovered. Burnham said fully funding the defence plan would be a priority ahead of this year's budget, alongside other manifesto commitments such as removing VAT from energy bills, cutting business rates for pubs and clubs, and capping bus fares at £2. He ruled out calling an early election to seek a mandate for raising income tax, VAT or national insurance, and described a single phone call with Trump as "a good exchange" while insisting he would voice differing views where necessary to protect Britain's interests.