Incoming UK Prime Minister Faces Varied International Reactions

Andy Burnham is set to become the UK's next prime minister. Officials in several countries are reviewing what the change means for existing policies on defence, trade and energy.

US administration officials view the possibility of Ed Miliband being named chancellor of the exchequer as evidence that British environmental policy will remain unchanged. They also want the UK to set a higher example for the rest of Europe on defence spending.

Tensions remain over US access to British military bases during the Iran War.

“Burnham has opportunity to win over Trump" — Anthony Zurcher, North America correspondent, BBC News. US officials are already pressing the incoming team for continuity in foreign policy leadership, including keeping Yvette Cooper as foreign secretary.”

They expressed frustration at the frequency of political change in London. Burnham once pointed to China's high-speed rail network as a model for the North of England. Any future relationship will be weighed against economic benefit and national security concerns raised by British intelligence services.

Officials in Kyiv are concerned about political instability in Britain but note that British support for Ukraine has remained constant through previous changes of government.

EU countries are watching whether the UK will increase defence spending to 3.5% of GDP by 2035. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot wished the incoming prime minister "as much stability as possible" and hopes for continued cooperation on migration and defence.