By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
United States President Donald Trump has urged new British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to take immediate action against illegal migration, warning that the issue is “killing” the United Kingdom.
In an interview with GB News on Wednesday, Trump said Burnham would eventually be forced to address immigration despite initially avoiding the subject after taking office.
“He’s going to have to mention it because it’s killing your country,” Trump told the broadcaster.
The US president claimed migrants were arriving from multiple regions, including Africa, South America, and parts of Asia.
“They’re invading Europe,” Trump warned, adding that “the UK is a prime suspect.”
Trump’s comments came on the same day that more than 500 migrants crossed the English Channel into Britain, with people smugglers launching 11 small boats from various points along the French and Belgian coastline.
The remarks also come as Burnham’s government continues to face scrutiny over its plans for handling asylum seekers.
When asked earlier this week whether the Prime Minister wanted asylum hotels to be closed, a Downing Street spokesman said: “The work on that continues,” adding there was “no change in that work being carried out by the Home Secretary in her department.”
According to Home Office figures, 172 people crossed the Channel on the Wednesday of Burnham’s first week in office, followed by 366 on Thursday and another 103 on Friday.
Trump reflected on his early interactions with the British leader, saying Burnham had a “big job ahead of him” on his first day in Downing Street.
Describing a recent telephone conversation between them, Trump said it was “interesting, and went very well,” adding that he wished the Prime Minister “GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED.”
While the two leaders have maintained relatively stable relations during Burnham’s opening weeks, North Sea oil drilling has emerged as a potential point of disagreement.
The day before Burnham succeeded former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, Trump urged him to expand North Sea oil drilling, claiming it would transform the UK “from a poverty stricken disaster, to one of the richest countries anywhere in the world.”
Sources in Washington have reportedly expressed concern over Burnham’s appointment of Ed Miliband as Foreign Secretary, citing his previous criticisms of Trump.
Behind the scenes, efforts to strengthen UK-US relations are continuing, while Burnham has maintained Britain’s policy of allowing US forces to use British military bases for what the government describes as “defensive” strikes linked to the conflict involving Iran.
