looked forward

Prime Minister Andy Burnham will pledge to deliver growth in every postcode across the UK as he visits Scotland during his first week in office. This afternoon [Thursday 23 July], the Prime Minister will hold meetings in Glasgow with the First Minister of Scotland John Swinney and the First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth, before watching the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games later on. During his talks the Prime Minister will set out how he plans to work collaboratively with t…

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Italy, Giorgia Meloni, this evening. The leaders began by discussing the Prime Minister’s domestic agenda, including his plans to build more homes for families across the country, and reindustrialise to drive good growth in every postcode. They also discussed the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and welcomed Canada joining as an observer. The Prime Minister said it was exciting that GCAP was moving to the next phase, adding that it would bri…

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, this evening. Prime Minister Carney congratulated the Prime Minister on his appointment, and the leaders discussed the Prime Minister’s strong domestic announcements in recent days to give the British people breathing space from the cost of living. The UK and Canada had a strong and strategic relationship, rooted in shared values and outlook on the world, which benefitted people in both countries, the leaders agreed. The P…

Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, spoke with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (UK), Andy Burnham. Prime Minister Carney congratulated Prime Minister Burnham on the overwhelming support he received in his bid for the party leadership and in his new role as prime minister. The prime ministers discussed the dynamic and vibrant relationship between Canada and the UK, rooted in deep historic ties, shared values, and rapidly growing bilateral cooperation. This includes expanded ties ac…

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Poland Donald Tusk this evening. The two leaders began by acknowledging the important partnership between the UK and Poland, particularly on security and defence, and the Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s steadfast commitment to the Northolt Treaty to strengthen cooperation in both areas. Turning to Ukraine, the Prime Minister thanked Prime Minister Tusk for Poland’s leadership and support, adding that his Government stood four-square behind U…

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez today. The Prime Minister began by congratulating Spain on their brilliant win at the World Cup on Sunday night. The Prime Minister welcomed the signing of the Strategic Bilateral Framework as well as the historic UK-EU Treaty on Gibraltar. He stressed the importance of building on this momentum to deepen cooperation between the UK and Spain. The Prime Minister shared his condolences to everyone affected by the recent Spani…

The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten today. The Prime Minister began by outlining his desire to strengthen the relationship between the UK and Netherlands to deliver for people in both countries. The Prime Minister also reflected on his own personal family ties to the nation. The Prime Minister welcomed the Amphibious Transport Ship deal signed at the NATO summit in Ankara which will support hundreds more skilled jobs in the UK. The Prime Minister outlin…

The Prime Minister spoke to the Taoiseach of Ireland, Micheál Martin, today. The Taoiseach began by congratulating the Prime Minister on his appointment, with the Prime Minister thanking him and underlining how much he is looking forward to working together. The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the UK’s partnership with Ireland and welcomed the continued close cooperation, particularly through the annual UK-Ireland Summit. The leaders agreed on the need to continue to work togethe…

The Prime Minister had calls with the First Minister of Scotland, the First Minister of Wales and the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland today. The Prime Minister said he was serious about creating a new politics - rooted in finding common ground based on collaborative, practical and pragmatic relations with the Heads of the Devolved Governments. Working in partnership, the Prime Minister said together they could drive deeper devolution to all parts of the United King…

The Prime Minister spoke to the Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, this evening. It was clear the relationship between the UK and Germany was vital to delivering for people in both countries, the Prime Minister said. Both leaders underlined their ambition to increase cooperation under the Kensington Treaty, and the Prime Minister said he would ask his teams to accelerate work on implementation. Discussing Ukraine, the Prime Minister looked forward to working with Chancellor Merz and Presi…

The Prime Minister spoke to António Costa, President of the European Council, this evening. The Prime Minister began by underlining the importance of creating a stronger Europe through a closer UK-EU relationship. That included working together on shared challenges such as defence and security and driving growth across the UK and Europe. They both agreed their respective teams would work closely towards a UK-EU summit later in the year. They looked forward to speaking again soon.

The Prime Minister spoke to the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, this evening. The Prime Minister began by congratulating the Secretary General on the successful NATO summit held in Ankara earlier this month, and the strong signal of unity it sent to the world in such volatile times. Updating on the appointment of the former Defence Secretary, John Healey, as the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Prime Minister said the appointment was a signal of his intent. The leaders also discussed …

The Prime Minister spoke to President Emmanuel Macron of France this evening. The Prime Minister began by setting out how he is looking forward to building on the strong UK-France relationship to deliver for people on both sides of the Channel. Turning to Ukraine, the two leaders discussed the need to work together to continue supporting Ukraine as it resists Russia’s full-scale invasion, including through co-chairing the Coalition of the Willing. On the Middle East, the two leaders agreed th…

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, this afternoon. The Prime Minister thanked the President for her warm congratulations, adding that he was looking forward to working closely with President von der Leyen and her team. Building a closer and ambitious relationship was key to delivery in both the UK and Europe, the Prime Minister added. The leaders agreed their teams should work closely towards a UK-EU Summit later in the year. Turning t…

The Prime Minister spoke to the President of the United States, Donald Trump, shortly after taking office this afternoon. The Prime Minister began by congratulating the President on a successful World Cup and agreed that England had an excellent tournament. The Prime Minister also hoped that he would be able to show the President what Manchester had to offer during a visit in the future. Setting out his vision as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, the Prime Minister said he would be focuse…

His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended sincere congratulations to The Rt Hon Andrew Burnham, MP, on behalf of the Government and the people of the Maldives, on his assumption of office as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, wishing him every success in his new role. In his letter, President Dr Muizzu reaffirmed the deep value the Government of the Maldives places on the long-standing historic ties of friendship and cooperation between…