New UK PM Burnham speaks with Trump, vows defense commitment

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has held his first phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, with a spokesperson stating that Burnham "emphasized commitments to defense and security."

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emphasized commitments to defense and security.

During the conversation, Downing Street confirmed that Burnham "made it clear that safeguarding the security of the UK and its allies would be a top priority of his premiership." The new prime minister also conveyed his hope for an opportunity to introduce himself to Trump in person in Manchester, where Burnham previously served as mayor for nine years.

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made it clear that safeguarding the security of the UK and its allies would be a top priority of his premiership.

Burnham officially became the UK's prime minister after meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. His ascent follows his victory in a parliamentary by-election in northwest England in June, after which he ran for party leadership.

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deeply encouraged

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Burnham on his new role. Zelenskyy stated on the social platform X that he was "deeply encouraged" by Burnham's pledge of "unwavering" support for Ukraine. Earlier, Burnham had expressed his "100 percent" backing for Zelenskyy, prompting the Ukrainian president's public thanks for the "steadfast support" for Ukraine and its people.

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I sincerely thank [the British Prime Minister] for his steadfast support for Ukraine and the people of Ukraine.