By Salma El-Sakka
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said the US midterm election results create an opportunity for world leaders to unite around the cost-of-living crisis, speaking from the Commonwealth leaders summit. He pledged to push for resolutions to the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, arguing that domestic price pressures cannot ease until those wars end.
Burnham calls for unity on cost of living
Burnham told broadcasters that US voters had signaled a desire for the world to come together on issues that matter to people. He noted that the cost of living has been his central focus during his first three months in Downing Street, but said progress depends on ending the Middle East conflict and the war in Ukraine started by Russia.
Trump acknowledges fuel price impact
Reacting to Republican losses, former President Donald Trump told Fox News that rising fuel prices caused by the Iran war had contributed to his party's defeats. He said people agreed with his Iran policy but were unwilling to accept short-term gasoline price increases.
UK government response at PMQs
In Burnham's absence, Cabinet Office Minister Louise Haigh faced questions at Prime Minister's Questions. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Cooper accused Trump of warmongering and economic chaos, urging the government to oppose further strikes on Iran. Haigh described the US as a vital ally and said the priority is de-escalation, calling the Iran war catastrophic for the cost-of-living crisis.
Outlook for Iran talks
Trump recently warned that the US and Israel could intensify strikes on Iran if negotiations fail, telling the Financial Times the US is "locked and loaded." Indirect talks have stalled for months, with some analysts suggesting Iran may prolong negotiations hoping fuel costs damage Trump politically. The Democratic-controlled Congress can restrict funding, but Trump retains significant foreign policy authority.
