Andy Burnham’s first conversation with Donald Trump was ‘extremely warm’, Downing Street says
Downing Street has described the first phone call between new prime minister Andy Burnham and US President Donald Trump as "extremely warm", following the call taking place within an hour of Mr Burnham arriving in Downing Street. The exchange marks a notably positive start to the relationship, contrasting with Mr Trump's previous dismissive remarks about Mr Burnham as "extremely liberal" and "mayor of a town", and is being seen as a reset in transatlantic relations after ties with Sir Keir Starmer became strained over the Iran war.
The roughly 20-minute call reportedly covered North Sea oil, trade and demining of the Strait of Hormuz, with Mr Trump afterwards saying Mr Burnham "has got a big job ahead of him" and pledging US support. Downing Street declined to confirm whether Mr Trump's optimism about new North Sea drilling was well-founded, despite Labour's manifesto commitment against new licences, while newly appointed Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said oil and gas remain "part of the mix". Separately, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband is expected to hold his first talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the ASEAN summit in the Philippines, and Mr Burnham has confirmed he will maintain the existing policy allowing US use of UK bases for strikes against Iran.
In short
- Burnham and Trump's first call described as "extremely warm" by No 10
- Trump reportedly keen on new North Sea oil drilling
- Miliband set for first talks with Rubio at ASEAN summit
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The strengthening of transatlantic relations serves Britain's strategic interests during uncertain times, and pragmatic energy policy must balance climate goals with the economic reality that oil and gas remain essential during any transition period. North Sea production provides jobs, revenues, and energy security whilst renewable alternatives are scaled up, and engaging constructively with the US administration opens opportunities for cooperation on trade, security and shared challenges that ultimately benefit British people.
The case against
Labour was elected on an explicit manifesto commitment to reject new North Sea oil licences, and shifting this policy under apparent US pressure undermines both democratic accountability and Britain's credibility as a climate leader. Wealthy nations have particular responsibility to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels rather than expand them, and allowing foreign pressure to override domestic democratic commitments sets a concerning precedent for UK sovereignty and environmental integrity.
Explained simply
The prime minister of the United Kingdom leads the government from Downing Street. The US president is a key partner, and their governments work together on trade, security and international conflicts.
The North Sea is an important source of oil and gas for Britain. Decisions about new drilling involve energy supply and climate policy, while the Strait of Hormuz is a major shipping route for oil, where mines could threaten vessels.
The two countries also co-operate on defence, including the use of British bases by US forces. Their relationship matters because disagreements over conflicts or energy policy can affect wider co-operation.
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