21st July 2026
One of the first tests for any new Prime Minister is how quickly they establish relationships with world leaders.
Within hours of entering 10 Downing Street, Andy Burnham began a series of telephone conversations with some of Britain's most important international partners. Although the discussions were brief, they offer the first clues about the direction his government intends to take on foreign affairs.
Donald Trump – Trade, Security and the Special Relationship
Burnham's first high-profile international call was with US President Donald Trump.
The conversation focused on maintaining the close relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. According to official reports, the two leaders discussed:
Strengthening trade between the two countries.
Continued cooperation on defence and NATO.
Energy security.
The wider international situation.
The call was also used to extend an invitation for President Trump to visit Britain, with Manchester expected to feature prominently during a future visit.
Despite political differences in the past, both leaders stressed the importance of maintaining the long-standing UK-US alliance.
Volodymyr Zelensky – Continued Support for Ukraine
Burnham also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The discussion centred on Britain's continuing support for Ukraine as the conflict with Russia continues.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed that the UK would remain committed to helping Ukraine defend itself and continue working alongside NATO allies.
This call was widely viewed as reassurance that, despite a change of Prime Minister, Britain's support for Ukraine remains unchanged.
Other International Contacts
Government sources indicate that further conversations with other allied leaders are expected over the coming days as Burnham introduces himself to key partners across Europe and beyond.
These discussions are expected to include:
European leaders.
NATO allies.
Commonwealth partners.
Middle Eastern governments, given continuing tensions in the region.
Foreign Office officials have indicated that building personal relationships early in a premiership is regarded as an important part of diplomacy.
What These Calls Tell Us
Taken together, Burnham's first conversations reveal several priorities.
First, maintaining the UK's close relationship with the United States remains central.
Second, there has been no indication of any change in Britain's commitment to Ukraine.
Third, defence, international security and energy appear to be among the government's immediate concerns, reflecting continuing instability in the Middle East and the wider global economy.
Finally, Burnham appears keen to present Britain as an active diplomatic player despite the considerable domestic challenges facing his new administration.
Calls to other leaders are ongoing.
Looking Ahead
Telephone diplomacy is only the beginning.
The coming weeks are likely to see Burnham attending NATO meetings, G20 discussions and other international summits where his government's positions on trade, defence, climate policy and international conflicts will be examined more closely.
While domestic issues such as the economy, housing and the cost of living are expected to dominate his agenda, these first conversations suggest Burnham intends to reassure allies that Britain will remain engaged on the world stage.
As more official readouts are released, a clearer picture will emerge of how the new Prime Minister intends to balance domestic reform with Britain's international responsibilities.