Andy Burnham said the results of the US midterm elections created an opportunity for leaders to focus on the cost of living, an issue he described as affecting people across countries. Speaking at the Commonwealth leaders summit, he pledged to press for resolutions to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Burnham said he could not bring down living-cost pressures until those conflicts were resolved. He added that he would raise the issue in calls with other leaders, saying voters wanted governments to concentrate on matters that affect everyday life.
US President Donald Trump acknowledged that higher fuel prices linked to the War in Iran had contributed to his party’s losses. In an interview with Fox News, he said voters may have supported his policy but were unwilling to bear the short-term cost of more expensive gasoline.
At Prime Minister’s Questions, which Burnham missed, Cabinet Office Minister Louise Haigh said the government’s priority was de-escalation. She described the Iran war as catastrophic for the cost-of-living crisis. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper urged the government to oppose further strikes on Iran.
Trump told the Financial Times that the US was prepared to act if necessary, while adding that an attack might not be needed. Talks between the US and Iran have been stalled for months, according to the report. Although Democrats now control Congress and can restrict funding, Trump retains significant authority over foreign policy.
Sources: BBC News UK.