Will Trump be Burnham’s undoing, or the making of him? The answer lies in Europe

The UK’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, has made a promising start in office, but his fledgling administration is already facing a daunting challenge. Donald Trump’s unpredictable nature and erratic behavior pose a significant threat to British foreign policy, potentially undermining progress at home and abroad.

Burnham would be wise not to repeat the mistakes of Keir Starmer, who learned the hard way that trying to influence Trump’s behavior can be futile. When Trump attacked Iran, it crushed early signs of economic growth in the UK. Instead of attempting to tame Trump, Britain should chart its own course.

The European Union has already begun to do just that, pooling resources and borrowing collectively to reduce defense spending. This new approach aligns perfectly with Burnham’s agenda for a more candid and confrontational government. By adopting this strategy, Britain can not only make sense in terms of policy but also stimulate economic growth at home.

The postwar foundation of UK foreign policy is no longer tenable. Britain cannot rely on the US as its sole guarantor of security when Trump openly questions Nato’s relevance and threatens to abandon its principles. It’s time to acknowledge that Britain’s dependence on Washington is not only unstable but also reckless. The EU, led by countries like France and Germany, is already taking steps to defend itself without relying on the US.

One key area where this new approach can make a difference is in defense spending. By switching from buying American hardware to investing in European industry, Britain can reduce its reliance on the US and stimulate economic growth at home. This “buy European” strategy benefits British businesses and workers.

Britain’s security is threatened not only by external powers but also by internal weaknesses, including a fragmented economy and a dwindling industrial base. By pooling resources with its European neighbors, Britain can address these challenges more effectively and create a more stable and prosperous future for itself.

Some argue that abandoning the US alliance would be catastrophic, that Britain’s safety depends on maintaining its special relationship with Washington. But this argument is based on a flawed assumption: that the US will always be a reliable ally. Trump has already demonstrated his willingness to abandon long-standing allies and break with established norms.

In an increasingly treacherous world, Burnham would do well to follow the EU’s lead in creating a new security framework that prioritizes cooperation over dependence. This may require difficult decisions, but it also presents opportunities for Britain to forge its own path and create a more prosperous future for itself.

Burnham has already shown he’s willing to take risks and challenge the status quo. Now it’s time for him to seize this opportunity and chart a new course for British foreign policy – one that will allow the country to break free from Trump’s shadow and forge its own destiny in Europe.