DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States /Elections & Politics

What has Britain's likely next prime minister said about Trump?

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Andy Burnham, a Labour Party lawmaker, is widely expected to become Britain's next prime minister following the resignation of Keir Starmer.
  • Burnham has previously criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, linking him to global instability and a "polarized, poisonous politics."
  • He has also noted Trump and Nigel Farage's effectiveness in connecting with voters who feel neglected by politicians.

Labour Party lawmaker Andy Burnham is poised to become Britain's next prime minister, following Prime Minister Keir Starmer's resignation amid significant party losses. With Labour holding a substantial majority in the U.K. parliament, Burnham is the anticipated successor.

The path we're on, if we are not careful, is a path towards the politics of the United States of America

โ€” Andy BurnhamBurnham's warning about the direction of British politics.

Should he take office, Burnham's past criticisms of U.S. President Donald Trump will likely draw attention. Burnham has accused Trump of contributing to global instability, drawing parallels between Trump's impact on the U.S. and former British Prime Minister Liz Truss's effect on Britain. He has warned that the U.K. could be heading towards a "polarized, poisonous politics" similar to that seen in the United States.

a polarized, poisonous politics where people in communities don't work together anymore.

โ€” Andy BurnhamBurnham's description of the political climate in the U.S.

In a 2024 book, Burnham acknowledged the political skill of both Trump and Nigel Farage, stating they effectively connected with individuals who felt overlooked by the political establishment. He identified a "new radical Right" in both the U.K. and U.S. that capitalized on societal inequalities and an "out-of-touch left-progressive establishment."

I think Trump is bringing to the U.S. and the world.

โ€” Andy BurnhamBurnham's assessment of Trump's impact on global stability.

Burnham's comments on Jan. 6, 2021, during the U.S. Capitol riot, where he posted on X, indicated his stance on politicians who supported Trump. His views on Trump and populist movements are expected to be a key focus as he potentially steps into the role of prime minister.

Whether we like it or not, Donald Trump and Nigel Farage have been effective in connecting with people who feel politicians have neglected the place where they live.

โ€” Andy BurnhamBurnham's observation on the appeal of Trump and Farage.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.