Andy Burnham Faces Trump-Shaped Challenges as UK Prime Minister

Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, is set to face a series of challenges related to his relationship with Donald Trump. These challenges include a decision on oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, defense spending, and Israeli settlements. Burnham has indicated that he may visit the White House in late September, which could lead to a meeting with Trump. The UK is also preparing for a decision on the North Sea drilling, which will be taken on a quasi-judicial basis by Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh. Meanwhile, Burnham's finance minister, John Healey, has refused to guarantee that military spending will reach 3 percent of GDP by 2030, a pledge made by his predecessor. The UK's stance on Israeli settlements is also expected to be a point of contention, with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband promising a 'comprehensive' response. Burnham's first face-to-face meeting with Trump is expected to be a test of their relationship, and the UK's decisions on these issues will have significant implications for their diplomatic ties.