On July 20 (local time), according to TASS news agency, new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham affirmed that the British Government will continue to maintain a tough stance against Russia, and reaffirmed its commitment to support Ukraine in the current conflict.
The message was delivered in the first phone call between Mr. Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, just hours after he officially took over as head of the British Government.
According to a statement released by the British Prime Minister's Office at 10 Downing Street, Mr. Burnham reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of himself as well as the British Government to the people of Ukraine.
The Prime Minister emphasized that there will be no change in Britain's approach, including further increasing pressure on Russia," the statement stated.
This is also the first statement from Prime Minister's Office Andy Burnham regarding foreign policy towards Russia since he took office.
According to observers, this statement shows that London will continue to maintain its policy of supporting Kiev and there is no sign of adjusting its position.
Mr. Andy Burnham officially became Prime Minister of England on July 20, replacing his predecessor Mr. Keir Starmer.
Mr. Starmer was forced to resign after facing pressure from parliamentarians of the ruling Labour Party, amid the party's defeat in the local elections held in May.
Mr. Burnham's quick phone call with President Zelensky and affirmation of continuing the current policy is seen as a signal that the new government's priority is to maintain continuity in foreign policy, especially for Ukraine.
In recent years, the UK has been one of the Western countries actively providing military, financial and training aid to Ukraine. London has also repeatedly coordinated with European and US allies to impose sanctions on Russia since the conflict broke out.
Currently, the Russian side has not commented on Prime Minister Andy Burnham's new statement as well as the content of the phone call between the British leader and the Ukrainian President.
