Lib Dems: Burnham must show backbone with Trump

9 Jul 2026

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

As tensions between the United States and Iran escalate, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Calum Miller MP, said:

"Andy Burnham cannot afford to sit on the fence while the world faces a major geopolitical crisis. It’s not an option for someone halfway over the threshold to Number 10 to simply dip a toe into international relations. The British public deserves clarity and conviction.

“The Liberal Democrats are calling on Burnham to show real backbone. He mustn’t start like Starmer - unwilling or unable to stand up to Washington. If he is to be Prime Minister, he must make it clear from day one that the UK will not blindly buckle to dangerous and erratic American foreign policy.

“The US remains an important ally, but the ongoing tit-for-tat strikes with Iran only push us back to the precipice of a catastrophic, full-scale war. True statesmanship requires the courage to tell our closest allies when they need to show restraint. Let’s hope Burnham understands this.”

ENDS

 


 

 

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