French President Emmanuel Macron has urged new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to pursue even closer ties with the European Union, delivering what is seen as a final message to former leader Sir Keir Starmer. Macron praised Starmer for "strengthening cooperation between the United Kingdom, France and our European partners" as Starmer departed Downing Street.
Macron's Call for Renewed Partnership
In his message, Macron called on Burnham to give "new impetus to the partnership between the United Kingdom and the European Union." The French president's comments come after Burnham, who succeeded Starmer as Prime Minister, pledged in his first speech to win over voters "fed up with politics."
Burnham has previously stated he would like to see Brexit overturned "in his lifetime," but more recently promised not to "re-run" old arguments about the 2016 referendum. This ambiguity has cast doubt on a planned UK-EU summit scheduled for July 22.
Uncertainty Over Burnham's EU Approach
Former EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, ousted from his role on Burnham's first day in Number 10, dismissed the prospect of re-entering the bloc as an "unrealistic" mirage in a speech last month. While Starmer's "EU reset" was criticized as a "Brexit betrayal," Burnham's stance remains unclear.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she had a "very good first discussion" with Burnham, adding that they "are both committed to bringing the EU and the UK closer and closer."
Burnham's Sweeping Changes
Burnham has not shied away from major changes in his first hours as Prime Minister, promising the biggest shakeup to British politics in 40 years. He ousted several senior Labour figures from Cabinet, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, whom he replaced with former Defence Secretary John Healey.
World leaders have been quick to congratulate Burnham. He took calls from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump shortly after entering Number 10. Burnham assured Zelensky that UK support for Ukraine will remain "steadfast" under his premiership and invited him to visit "at the earliest opportunity," a Downing Street spokesperson said.
Burnham also spoke to Trump about the World Cup, Manchester, and the Middle East situation in a wide-ranging conversation, the spokesperson added.
