Britain's new leader is about to find out how "being yourself" works with Donald Trump—starting with oil. Andy Burnham, who became prime minister on Monday, has signaled he'll try a straightforward, respectful-but-firm approach with the US president, telling podcaster Gary Lineker that "it's about respecting the office, the relationship, the UK-US relationship. Where you disagree, do it. But do it in a way that is kind of meeting him where he's at." That would mark a contrast with predecessor Keir Starmer, reports the New York Times, who was widely mocked at home for appearing overly deferential to Trump, only to face US tariffs and angry public insults anyway. Burnham and Trump might not be as different as they seem: Burnham "loves social media, hates the snobbish elites, and aims to speak for voters who are angry at being left behind," notes Politico, asking, "Sound familiar?"
Burnham's first big test is likely to be the North Sea. Trump, who recently dismissed Burnham as a "mayor of a town" and "extremely liberal," has suggested that means the PM won't be open to fresh drilling. But Burnham allies say he may move quickly on North Sea oil and gas, with deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell promising a "more pragmatic approach" than Starmer—aimed squarely at lowering Britons' energy costs. Trump met that possibility with a crowing social media post, writing that Aberdeen residents are "dancing in the streets" over a potential full opening of North Sea production. Burnham hasn't yet spoken to Trump; that call is expected soon, with a first in-person meeting likely at the UN in September.
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