Ten UK trade unions have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to pressure Donald Trump to end the Middle East conflict, arguing the war is deepening Britain's cost of living crisis. Union leaders urged Burnham to revoke permission for the US to use RAF bases, saying American forces have relied on RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia to launch strategic bombers. The letter cited a £221 rise in average annual energy bills since the war began. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK has not joined offensive action but allows base use for allied defence.
Burnham is set to embark on a national cost of living tour this week, with Downing Street promising new measures to ease household bills. The prime minister will be in 'listening mode' as he travels the country to discuss economic pressures.
Opposition parties attacked the tour. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride accused Burnham of 'breathtaking hypocrisy', while Reform UK's Robert Jenrick urged the prime minister to scrap green levies on energy bills.