UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham vows higher defence spending, rules out early election

Andy Burnham, Britain’s seventh prime minister in a decade, told the BBC he will always put the United Kingdom’s interests first and is prepared to call out U.S. President Donald Trump if it serves British interests. He ruled out an early general election, stating none will be held before 2029.

Burnham reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to NATO, saying the government will work to fund a defence investment plan aiming for a 3.5% of GDP defence spend by 2035, though he did not pledge to meet a 3% target by 2030. Defence secretary Wes Streeting noted the finance minister will decide the timetable for any spending increase. Burnham also announced the end of Labour’s early‑release scheme for prisoners following public concern.

The prime minister highlighted the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group leading NATO operations in the Arctic, underscoring Britain’s strategic role. His predecessor, Keir Starmer, had stepped down after a strained relationship with the United States over issues such as the Iran‑Israel conflict and immigration.