Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan will further deepen relations with Britain under new Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who took office Monday after winning the ruling Labour Party’s leadership race last week.
In a post on X on Monday evening, Takaichi said in English that she looks forward to working closely with Burnham, who succeeded Keir Starmer, to further deepen bilateral ties “across a wide range of fields” as “enhanced global strategic partners.”
Takaichi also said she believes Burnham will lead Britain with “robust leadership,” leveraging his “strong track record” from his time as the mayor of Greater Manchester, during which he promoted public services reforms before returning to national politics by winning a June by-election.
On Tuesday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said at a press conference that Japan will tackle global challenges with Britain, such as the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision advocated by Japan that is seen as an attempt to counter China’s growing clout in the region.
Kihara, the top government spokesman, also said that Japan will continue to collaborate with Britain and Italy on their joint project of developing a next-generation fighter jet by 2035.
As the sole contender, Burnham won the party leadership contest held on Friday following Starmer’s announcement in late June of his decision to resign after the party’s heavy defeat in May local elections. (JapanToday)
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