Andy Burnham says UK military needs "can’t come at the expense of social security"

Andy Burnham, Britain’s prime minister since July and a former Greater Manchester mayor, is scheduled to meet Donald Trump for the first time Tuesday at an international summit expected to cover Ukraine, the Middle East, climate and AI. Burnham has indicated he will break with predecessor Keir Starmer’s handling of Trump, saying he will differ with the US leader when British interests demand it while still seeking cooperation. He has urged stronger air-defence help for Ukraine, including US Patriot systems, and wants higher military spending and investment to create British jobs, without setting a timetable. With finance minister John Healey due to present an Oct. 28 budget and address a defence funding gap, defence-industry leaders have raised doubts about the government’s resolve after Burnham this month discussed balancing military needs against domestic welfare commitments.