Andy Burnham is set to become the UK's next prime minister, and world leaders are sizing him up. BBC correspondents report on the global reaction from key capitals.
US: Burnham Has Opportunity to Win Over Trump
Donald Trump has been dismissive of Burnham so far, unconvinced he'll fix immigration or North Sea drilling policies. US officials worry that Ed Miliband as chancellor might keep environmental policies unchanged. But Burnham, like Starmer, could win Trump over with a charm offensive, though risks remain on military spending, taxes, and trade.
China: A Sense of Frustration at More Political Change
Beijing sees frequent changes in UK leadership as instability. Burnham once praised China's high-speed rail, but now faces balancing economic ties with security concerns over spying and theft. Chinese officials watched Starmer's visit closely and hope for predictability, but are frustrated by yet another new PM.
Russia: Moscow Expects No Change in UK Relations
The Kremlin sees Burnham as a consistent Russia critic, hostile over Ukraine and Crimea. State media dismisses him as unlikely to shift policy. Putin's spokesman says no British politician will differ from Starmer on bilateral ties.
Ukraine: Concern in Kyiv About UK Political Instability
Ukraine, in its fifth war year, faces its fifth UK PM. While support from Johnson to Starmer has been constant, Kyiv worries about instability. Burnham's past comments suggest continuity, but his foreign policy priorities remain unclear.
EU: Europeans Anxiously Watching UK Defence Spending
Europe sees UK volatility as a shared trend. They watch for Burnham's stance on EU economic reset and whether he'll honour NATO spending commitments up to 3.5% of GDP. The key question: will he prioritise continental security?
France: Paris Hopes Burnham's World View Is Like Starmer's
France expects continuity but is cautious. Burnham's domestic focus may leave less room for European engagement, but Paris hopes for alignment on defence and diplomacy.