Trump speaks with Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham
British Ambassador Sir Christian Turner joined Sandra Smith to discuss new UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham and questions surrounding his “leftist policies.” Turner pointed to Burnham’s emphasis on driving economic growth, rebuilding Britain’s industrial base and creating jobs in communities that have felt left behind, while also strengthening the UK’s sovereignty. He also stressed the enduring importance of the US-UK alliance. The interview touched on wider security concerns as well, including efforts to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and the importance of keeping key maritime straits open.
The UK is reportedly preparing to unveil new limits on trade linked to Israeli settlements in the West Bank on Tuesday, a step that has already prompted sharp objections from officials in both Washington and Jerusalem.
According to The Times, a U.S. State Department official said the Biden administration was “tracking the plans closely.”
The proposed restrictions are expected to cover an embargo on certain goods and services connected to West Bank settlements, signaling a tougher approach from London toward Israel under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who has adopted a more assertive position on the conflict, according to reports.
The expected announcement would follow Burnham’s phone call with President Donald Trump one day earlier.
Britain’s newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivers a speech outside 10 Downing Street after taking office, in London, Britain, July 20, 2026. (REUTERS/Temilade Adelaja)
According to a No. 10 Downing Street readout of the call Monday, the two leaders discussed the Middle East, with Burnham highlighting the importance of a two-state solution which calls for an independent Palestinian state comprising the West Bank and Gaza Strip to exist alongside Israel.
“On the Middle East, the Prime Minister set out the UK’s commitment to working towards peace and security in the region, stressing the importance of the Two-State Solution,” the spokesperson said.
The readout did not mention the planned sanctions. Bloomberg reported, however, that the timing of the call suggested Burnham may have briefed Trump on the measures targeting goods and services linked to Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The move could create an early point of friction between Burnham and Washington, where the Trump administration has strongly backed Israel, the outlet said.
British Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband walks on Downing Street before a cabinet meeting after British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a timeline for his resignation, in London, Britain, June 23, 2026. (Toby Melville/Reuters)
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The new measures, billed widely as sanctions, are expected to be formally unveiled by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, who has already pledged a “comprehensive reset” of Britain’s policy toward Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Miliband signaled last week that measures were coming in response to Israeli settlement expansion, including the E1 project east of Jerusalem, according to The National.
He went on to describe E1 as a longstanding “red line” and said Britain would take action to protect the prospect of a two-state solution.
The planned sanction announcement has already drawn sharp criticism in Israel and the United States.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the British ambassador’s expulsion in a post on X.
“We will not be a doormat for an antisemitic government in a country occupied by radical Islam that is trying to escape economic and social collapse by attacking Jews and the State of Israel,” Smotrich wrote. “The British Mandate in Israel is over.”
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir arrives for a cabinet meeting at the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem on Aug. 27, 2023. (MENAHEM KAHANA/Pool via REUTERS)
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also condemned the planned restrictions, writing in Spanish on X that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should retaliate by recognizing Argentine sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and imposing sanctions on Britain.
Ben-Gvir accused Britain of having “violently” taken the disputed islands, known in Argentina as the Malvinas, the Times of Israel reported.
In the United States, Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., also warned in a post on X that the planned measures could implicate Florida’s anti-boycott law and potentially prevent some affected British companies from doing business with state and local governments.
Meanwhile, Burnham has joined leaders from Canada, France, Germany, Italy and other countries in condemning Israel’s E1 settlement expansion, arguing that the project threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state.