A Continental Chorus of Congratulations
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen took to X to signal a diplomatic reset. I look forward to working with you to strengthen the EU-UK partnership. For the security of our shared continent. And the prosperity of people on both sides of the Channel,
she wrote. Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, reinforced the message, noting that EU-UK relations have gained positive momentum
over the last two years. He expressed a clear desire to deepen cooperation for the benefit of citizens and businesses.
Macron and Meloni Seek Strategic Alignment
French President Emmanuel Macron offered his congratulations while pivoting to the legacy of Sir Keir Starmer, commending the commitment that helped solidify cooperation between the UK, France, and European partners. Macron signaled his intent to give new momentum to the partnership between the UK and the EU.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni emphasized the deep friendship
between Rome and London. Pointing to shared work on migratory flows and international crises, she stated her certainty that the nations would continue to strengthen their strategic partnership.
Global Ties and the Trump Perspective
We highly appreciate the UK's political, defence and values-based support,
he said. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also offered their congratulations, with the latter citing the “longstanding” ties and shared values between Australia and the UK.
The reception in Washington was more pointed. Following a call between Burnham and President Trump, the White House occupant weighed in on his counterpart’s record. Trump, who previously remarked on Burnham’s background as a mayor, described him as extremely liberal.
He also addressed energy policy, claiming that people in Aberdeen would be dancing in the streets
should Burnham back new North Sea fossil fuel production.
From Manchester to a National Housing Mandate
Burnham’s domestic agenda is rooted in his 2017 tenure as the mayor of Greater Manchester. During that time, the number of rough sleepers in the area fell by more than half by 2021, though figures have risen in recent years. In his 2024 book Head North, co-authored with Liverpool region mayor Steve Rotheram, Burnham pointed to the Finnish “Housing First” model as a source of inspiration. This policy provides individuals experiencing long-term homelessness with unconditional housing and additional support services.
The Scale of the Housing Crisis
The challenge facing the new administration is stark. Government statistics for England show that the estimated number of people sleeping rough on a single night last autumn was just under 4,800. Furthermore, the charity Crisis estimates that more than 242,000 households are homeless in England. By comparison, Finland, which has seen success with its “Housing First” approach, recorded just over 4,500 homeless people last year, a decrease from the 16,000 reported when the country’s national homelessness survey began in 1986.
Sources: London South East, metro.co.uk.
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