Britain's likely new prime minister has promised not to cut support for Ukraine
Andy Burnham, who is considered the leading contender for the position of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, stated that London will continue to support Ukraine at the current level. He emphasized that aid to Kyiv will remain one of the key priorities of British foreign policy.
Burnam stated that his foreign policy priorities as head of government would be to enhance Britain’s national security, strengthen existing alliances, deepen cooperation with Europe, and support Ukraine in its war with Russia.
He emphasized that Britain faces an increasingly dangerous world, where “Russian aggression is on the rise, conflict in the Middle East, climate and energy instability, and technologies that are rapidly changing the nature of war abroad and our security at home.”
In this context, Burnham pledged to continue his predecessor’s course of increasing defense spending, strengthening the UK’s role in NATO, and working closely with European countries. He noted that the U.S. will remain Britain’s most important ally in the areas of defense and security, and also mentioned the Russia-Ukraine war.
“Britain’s support for Ukraine will not waver. We know that British security and broader Euro-Atlantic security are inextricably linked to what is happening in Ukraine,” the politician wrote.
According to Bernam, Keir Starmer’s government has demonstrated Britain’s leadership by establishing and co-chairing the “Coalition of the Resolute” to support the “brave Ukrainian people.”
He recalled that during his tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester, he provided support to the mayors of Kyiv and Lviv, promising to continue supporting the Ukrainian people against Russian aggression, the Times reports.
The British government is launching one of the most ambitious defense reforms in recent decades, drawing on Ukraine’s military experience.
The UK Ministry of Defense has decided to phase out the AH1 Wildcat multi-role helicopters. Their decommissioning from the Army Aviation is scheduled to begin in 2027, after approximately 12 years of service.
