Andy Burnham’s domestic revolution could unobtrusively pull Britain closer to Europe
Andy Burnham has become Britain's seventh prime minister, with European leaders expressing hope for closer EU-UK ties under his leadership. While Burnham is known for his domestic focus, his pro-European background suggests a potential shift toward a more collaborative relationship with the bloc compared to his predecessors.
Why it matters
The leadership change in the UK could signal a significant pivot in post-Brexit foreign policy and economic alignment with the European Union.
Andy Burnham appears more sympathetic towards the EU than Keir Starmer. Andy Burnham appears more sympathetic towards the EU than Keir Starmer. This is Europe World news Andy Burnham’s domestic revolution could unobtrusively pull Britain closer to Europe The new PM talks less about the continent than his predecessor, but his agenda is more closely aligned with the EU’s
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Jon Henley Wed 22 Jul 2026 10.40 EDT Last modified on Wed 22 Jul 2026 11.15 EDT Share Prefer the Guardian on Google E urope’s leaders queued up this week to welcome Andy Burnham as Britain’s seventh prime minister since the Brexit vote – all expressing the hope that his tenure would continue the thaw in EU-UK relations initiated by his predecessor, Keir Starmer.
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