Andy Burnham’s foreign policy stance points to NATO continuity and possible UK-EU reset

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Highlights

Sir Olly Robbins is expected to be offered the national security adviser role, signaling Burnham’s preference for experienced foreign policy officials.
Burnham’s team indicates continuity with Starmer’s pro-Ukraine and NATO policies but hints at a potentially softer UK-EU stance, especially regarding Europhile cabinet appointments.
Burnham’s past criticism of Donald Trump and calls for immediate UK recognition of Palestinian statehood raise questions about future U.S. and Middle East policy alignment.

Advisers and appointments shape policy outlook

As first reported by The Spectator, Sir Olly Robbins is now expected to be offered the role of national security adviser after being approached by figures close to Burnham to discuss major foreign policy issues. The expected move suggests Team Burnham is seeking experienced hands as it builds out its foreign policy bench.

Burnham’s allies say they expect a high degree of continuity with Sir Keir Starmer’s position on backing Ukraine and supporting NATO. On UK-EU relations, however, there is more scope for divergence, with Burnham having previously said he wanted the UK to rejoin the EU before later stressing during the Makerfield by-election campaign that he was not proposing such a move and respected the 2016 referendum result.

Possible personnel choices are also being watched for signals about direction. Prominent Europhile Wes Streeting is seen as an option for foreign secretary, while David Miliband is said by friends to be interested in returning to government, either at the Foreign Office or in a special envoy role to the prime minister. Yvette Cooper could also remain in post, offering continuity and a familiar presence at the top of the department.

Jonathan Powell, the current national security adviser, is also said by friends to be open-minded about staying on during a transition period. Another expected returnee is Donjeta Miftari, a Burnham campaign figure who previously advised Starmer on foreign affairs.

U.S., Middle East and Labour implications

Burnham’s approach to the U.S. is under renewed focus after Donald Trump this week described him as “extremely liberal” and suggested he would not expand North Sea fossil-fuel extraction. Burnham has also publicly criticised Trump in the past, including during the January 6, 2021 Capitol riots and again last year when he said the U.S. president was bringing instability to the world.

In the closing days of the Makerfield campaign, Burnham warned about Britain moving toward an American-style politics that he characterised as polarised and poisonous, although he stopped short of naming Trump directly. Those comments add to questions over how he would manage ties with Washington if he enters Downing Street.

His stance on Israel and Palestine is also attracting attention because of its electoral sensitivity for Labour. When he ran for Labour leader in 2015, Burnham stressed the need to restore relations with Israel, but after the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas he quickly called for a ceasefire and last June joined other party figures in urging the UK to recognise Palestinian statehood without further delay.

Asked this month whether Israel’s operations in Gaza amount to genocide, Burnham said he could not judge matters of that scale from his position as mayor of Greater Manchester. He nevertheless expressed concern about what he called the disproportionate destruction and said there had to be investigation and accountability.

Despite criticism that foreign policy remains a weak spot on his record, some Labour figures dismiss the idea that he would struggle to adapt. One Labour official argues that Burnham’s political experience and personal style could translate effectively into diplomacy, even if his international profile is still developing.

In our earlier article on the fiscal and growth tests facing a potential Burnham government, we outlined how weak UK productivity and high gilt yields could force tough choices on spending, taxes and investor credibility. We also noted that issues such as the pension triple lock, speculation about wealth taxes, planning reform, and the balance between industrial strategy and green priorities could become early signals of Burnham’s governing approach.

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