*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, congratulates Andy Burnham, United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister, on his assumption of office, the government and people of the UK, describing their leadership transition as peaceful, orderly and seamless
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has congratulated Andy Burnham, United Kingdom’s (UK) new Prime Minister (PM), on his assumption of office.
Tinubu expressed confidence that Nigeria and the UK would continue deepen their longstanding partnership under the new administration in the European country.
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The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Abuja, FCT, disclosed President Tinubu also congratulated the government and people of the United Kingdom on what he described as a peaceful, orderly and seamless leadership transition.
The Nigerian leader further said the leadership transition process actually reflected the strength of the country’s democratic institutions and constitutional tradition over the centuries.
He as well recalled his productive engagement with the immediate past British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during his official visit to the UK, March 2026.
The President expressed optimism that new PM Burnham would consolidate the achievements recorded during his visit to UK.
The statement noted President Tinubu said he looked forward to expanding areas of partnership, collaboration and cooperation with the United Kingdom under Burnham’s leadership.
He expressed desire to engage with the new British leader at the earliest opportunity, both bilaterally and through the Commonwealth.
This is to deepen extant relations between the two countries while strengthening their strategic partnership for the mutual benefit of their citizens.
Burnham announces tax cut to ease cost of living in UK
In a related development, new British PM Burnham has announced a tax cut to ease off cost-of-living pressures as he was set to convene his first cabinet meeting Tuesday.
The new Prime Minister, following his assumption of office on Downing Street, and purging the British Government of his predecessor’s loyalists, the 56-year-old leader Tuesday morning said he was cutting value-added tax (VAT) on consumer electricity bills.
Speaking on the tax cut, Jonathan Reynolds, UK new Business Minister, told Sky News this was a “tremendous announcement for the first day of the new cabinet.”
The cabinet was due to meet Tuesday afternoon, agency report said.
Burnham also pledged to re-industrialise Britain, and decentralise power as well as end sleeping rough on the streets.
Earlier, Prime Minister had met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace to become the head of government after Starmer’s recent departure.
It was gathered that in his first call with US President Donald Trump, UK PM Burnham underlined his “commitment to defence and security”, a government Spokesperson said.
Trump reportedly said he had a “very good conversation” with Burnham and that the two leaders would meet “in the not-too-distant future”.
Referring to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s “resolute commitment” to Ukraine in its defence of Russia’s invasion, according to Downing Street.
French President Emmanuel Macron as well sent congratulations, urging Burnham to “give new momentum to the partnership” with the European Union.
In his brief speech, Burnham said he would “bring forward a new plan for Britain, a 10-year plan”, without giving specifics, report noted.