---
title: "Andy Burnham: 'Britain Will Not Abandon Ukraine' — Plans of the New Prime Minister and the Fate of Keir Starmer"
description: "Andy Burnham, the likely new Prime Minister of Britain, has promised to maintain the course of supporting Ukraine and increase the defense budget. Amidst a crisis in the Labour Party and election defeats, Keir Starmer may be set to lead NATO. 🇬🇧🇺🇦🏛️"
date: 2026-07-09T22:20:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/andy-burnham-new-uk-pm-ukraine-support-and-starmer-fate
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Andy Burnham: 'Britain Will Not Abandon Ukraine' — Plans of the New Prime Minister and the Fate of Keir Starmer

![Andy Burnham and Keir Starmer in business suits against a fence, discussing the new prime minister's plans and support for Ukraine](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/10/andy-bernem-novyy-premer-velikobritanii-podderzhka-ukrainy-i-sudba-starmera/andy-bernem-novyy-premer-velikobritanii-podderzhka-ukrainy-i-sudba-starmera-1.webp)

A major change of power is brewing in British politics. Andy Burnham, already hailed as the future Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, has clearly stated his position on a key foreign policy issue: support for Ukraine will remain unchanged. His ascent to power is likely to take place as early as this month against the backdrop of an acute political crisis.

### Priorities in an Era of Instability

Burnham has defined the context in which he will have to operate. According to him, the world is becoming increasingly dangerous. His list of top threats includes growing Russian aggression, the protracted conflict in the Middle East, as well as climate and energy instability.

Despite the change in leadership, the politician has promised to maintain the course of his predecessor. The main vectors of his foreign policy will be as follows:

- Continued increase in defense spending;

- Strengthening the role of the United Kingdom in NATO;

- Deepening cooperation with European countries.

Separately, Burnham emphasized the importance of the transatlantic alliance, stating that the USA will remain London's key ally in matters of defense and security.

### 'Britain's Security is Inseparable from Ukraine'

The main thesis of the future Prime Minister's speech concerns the Ukrainian issue. 'British support for Ukraine will not waver,' he declared. Burnham argues this by stating that British security and the security of the entire Euro-Atlantic space directly depend on events in Kyiv.

The politician highly rated the work of the current government of Keir Starmer, noting that it was precisely this administration that proved Britain's leadership by creating and leading the 'coalition of the willing' to assist the Ukrainian people. Burnham also appeals to his personal experience: as the Mayor of Greater Manchester, he personally organized aid for Kyiv and Lviv and promised to continue this work in his new post.

### Crisis in the Labour Party and Starmer's Future

The change of power in Downing Street is taking place against the backdrop of a serious crisis in the Labour Party. The reason for the reshuffle was a crushing defeat in local elections. As early as May, a group of influential government members, including Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, agreed on the position regarding the necessity of changing leadership.

Andy Burnham has been named Starmer's main successor. He will have to solve a number of systemic problems: from the migration crisis to the long-term consequences of Brexit.

As for Keir Starmer himself, his departure from the post of Prime Minister could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his career. According to media reports, he is considering the possibility of taking one of the most influential positions in the world — heading NATO.