Andy Burnham entered office as UK prime minister on July 20 with domestic issues expected to dominate his agenda, leaving questions over the direction of Britain’s foreign policy. While Burnham has previously expressed support for Ukraine, analysts say his first months in office will be crucial in defining the UK’s approach to European security, defense spending and relations with allies.
Burnham has consistently backed Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. As mayor of Greater Manchester, he supported Ukrainian refugees and humanitarian projects, helped establish the Unbroken Cities Network with Manchester, Liverpool and Lviv, and oversaw Manchester’s recognition of the Holodomor as genocide.
Before taking office, Burnham wrote that Britain’s support for Ukraine should continue and argued that the country’s security is tied to the outcome of the war. He also called for maintaining the UK’s commitment to NATO while expanding defense cooperation with European partners, including France and Germany. However, analysts note that he has yet to outline a detailed foreign policy agenda as prime minister.
According to experts, Burnham cannot afford to separate domestic and international policy. They argue that defense investment, energy security and migration cooperation with Europe will have a direct impact on Britain’s economic growth and internal stability.
Analysts say one of Burnham’s first major tests will be setting a credible path to raising UK defense spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035 while explaining how the plan will be funded. They also expect Britain to maintain its role in supporting Ukraine and coordinating European and U.S. backing for Kyiv, while managing security commitments in the Middle East without becoming drawn into a wider regional conflict.
European governments have signaled they expect continuity from London, with France calling for stability in the UK, while the Kremlin said it does not anticipate a significant shift in Britain’s policy toward Russia.
Over the next six months, several international events – including the EU summit, the UN General Assembly, the COP31 climate summit and Britain’s assumption of the G20 presidency in December – are expected to provide Burnham with early opportunities to define his foreign policy priorities and Britain’s role on the global stage.
