World and UK leaders congratulate new Prime Minister Andy Burnham
World leaders have congratulated Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister after he officially entered Downing Street.
Senior figures from the European Union seized the opportunity to call for closer EU-UK relations, Mr Burnham has already been on the phone to President Trump at the White Housdewhile Ukraine’s president said he would speak to Mr Burnham later in the day.
Some of the heads of the UK’s devolved nations also sent messages to the new premier.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said she looked forward to working with Mr Burnham for the “prosperity of people on both sides of the Channel”.
She said in a post on X: “Congratulations, dear Andy Burnham, on your confirmation as Prime Minister.
“I look forward to working with you to strengthen the EU-UK partnership.
“For the security of our shared continent. And the prosperity of people on both sides of the Channel.”
The president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, said: “In the last two years EU-UK relations gained a new, positive momentum. I look forward to continuing to further deepen our co-operation for the benefit of our citizens and businesses.
“The United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger together.”
Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky said he wished Mr Burnham “every success in addressing the challenges of today”.
He said: “Britain has always been one of the global leaders. We are ready to work together in all possible formats.
“We highly appreciate the UK’s political, defence and values-based support. The foundation of our bilateral relationship is stronger than ever, and we will continue to make each other stronger. I’m looking forward to our conversation later today.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Congratulations Prime Minister Burnham on your appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
“Australia and the United Kingdom are longstanding friends, allies and partners, united by shared values and deep ties between our peoples.
“I look forward to working with you to strengthen our partnership and promote security, resilience and prosperity in the years ahead.”
French President Emmanuel Macron, who worked closely with Sir Keir Starmer on a coalition of the willing for Ukraine and a future mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, said: “I extend my congratulations to Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
“In the face of the challenges that unite us, I hope that we will deepen our relationship in service of our peoples and by giving new momentum to the partnership between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
“I also wish to commend the action of Keir Starmer, whose commitment to serving his country has helped to strengthen co-operation between the United Kingdom, France and our European partners.”
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said: “Congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure to the new Prime Minister.
“Italy and the United Kingdom are bound by a deep friendship and a collaboration that, over the years, has grown ever stronger, also thanks to our joint work on key dossiers fundamental to our nations: from managing migratory flows to the major international crises, always addressed with a great spirit of collaboration.
“I am certain that we will continue down this path, strengthening our strategic partnership in the interest of our nations and our citizens.”
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said: “Congratulations to Andy Burnham on taking office as Prime Minister. Germany and the United Kingdom are close partners. I look forward to working together.”
First Minister of Wales Rhun ap Iorwerth urged Mr Burnham, who has pledged to go further with devolution for the UK’s regions, not to bypass the Welsh Parliament and called for an early meeting.
“I congratulate Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister, which presents an opportunity to redefine the relationship between the Welsh and UK governments,” he said.
“I know that Andy Burnham shares my belief in the power of devolution to improve the lives of the people we serve.
“In that spirit, I hope we can speak the same language when it comes to devolving powers out of Westminster by strengthening, not bypassing, Wales’s national parliament and its ability to empower people and communities.
“I look forward to an early meeting with the new Prime Minister to agree how we can give Wales the powers it needs to grow the economy and build a fairer, more prosperous future for all.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney pushed for action on the cost of living.
He said: “I congratulate Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister.
“This is a significant moment for the United Kingdom, and I commit to working constructively with him in order to improve the lives of people in Scotland.
“The UK faces a number of serious challenges at this moment, and Andy Burnham is correct when he says that Westminster is not working for the vast majority of people.
“Therefore, taking action on the cost of living must be an absolute priority for the new Prime Minister, and supporting people through sustained economic pressures will be key to restoring confidence and stability after a period of political turbulence.
“Just two months ago, the people of Scotland voted for my Government and our commitment to support people with the cost of living, ensure easier and quicker access to the NHS, and deliver the right to choose a fresh start with independence.
“I look forward to constructive conversations with the new Prime Minister about how we make that happen.”