UK will back Ukraine 'whatever threats we face,' says Burnham
22:56, 01/09/2026, Tuesday
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UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham leaves 10 Downing Street to address lawmakers in the House of Commons for the first time as prime minister in London, United Kingdom, on September 1, 2026.In his first address to parliament as premier, Andy Burnham said on Tuesday that the UK will maintain its support for Ukraine "whatever threats we face" from Russia, confirming he will attend the COP31 climate summit in Türkiye later this year.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham declared on Tuesday that the United Kingdom will not alter its support for Ukraine regardless of Russian intimidation, delivering his first speech to parliament since taking office. Burnham stated that he would uphold former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's policy on the conflict, telling lawmakers: "one which I will not change, whatever the threats we face."
His remarks followed warnings issued last week by Moscow that British military installations in Ukraine and beyond could face targeting in retaliation for Kyiv's use of UK-supplied missiles against Russian territory. "We do not seek escalation, but will instead stand firm in providing what help we can to enable Ukraine to defend itself," Burnham said, according to Anadolu Agency.
COP31 in Türkiye and migration cooperation
Burnham also announced his intention to participate in the COP31 climate conference, telling the House: "I can confirm to the House that I will attend COP 31 in Türkiye in November." The summit is scheduled to convene in Antalya on Nov. 9-20.
His attendance confirmation came shortly after the UK weather agency provisionally declared summer 2026 the warmest ever recorded in the country. The prime minister added that he would meet French President Emmanuel Macron in London on Wednesday to express gratitude for bilateral cooperation that has prevented more than 48,000 migrants from crossing the English Channel.
Prison capacity and sentencing reforms
Turning to domestic policy, Burnham outlined modifications to his early-release scheme, stating that individuals convicted of manslaughter, death by dangerous driving or indecent assault will no longer qualify for reduced sentences. The UK Conservative Party warned on Monday that the program — introduced after prison capacity dropped below 100 spaces in summer 2024 — could free dangerous offenders when the updated scheme takes effect on Oct. 1.