Andy Burnham rejects invitation to celebrate major US event in London after Donald Trump smackdown

Andy Burnham has rejected an invitation to celebrate a major US event in London after Donald Trump criticised the leadership hopeful.

The US Embassy will be holding a summer bash next Tuesday to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence, to which Britain's finest Government officials, military chiefs and major party leaders are invited.

In previous years, Sir Keir Starmer, Nigel Farage and Liz Truss have attended the exclusive party but the Labour leadership frontrunner has snubbed the invitation, with his spokesman explaining the future absence away as a "scheduling clash".

While the Grand American Jubilee usually attracts close to 5,000 guests, the organisers have scaled down the exclusive event to a mere 2,500 in attendance at the US Ambassador's home, Winfield House.

Last week, after Mr Burnham won the Makerfield seat, Donald Trump told GB News he felt the likely next Prime Minister was "extremely liberal" and referred to him as a "mayor of a town".

Speaking to the People's Channel at the White House, Mr Trump declared he "doesn't know anything" about the man running to be Britain's next Prime Minister.

Back in 2021, Mr Burnham said "any UK politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now".

FOLLOW ALONG FOR LIVE UPDATES THROUGHOUT THE DAY...

'Unforgivable!' Armed Forces left underfunded by billions in Keir Starmer's parting gift as PM

The Armed Forces will only receive half of the £28billion needed to keep Britain safe under the Defence Investment Plan (DIP).

In one of his final acts as Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer will finally reveal the plan on Tuesday and pledge billions of pounds for military equipment, with a £5billion-valued focus on drones and automation.

But its contents is unlikely to cool fears that not enough is being spent on protecting Britain.

Earlier this month, John Healey resigned as Defence Secretary after the Treasury refused to commit the resources needed to defend Britain.

Armed Forces Minister Al Carns then resigned, saying the proposed plan was not "transformative enough" in the face of the growing threat of war.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.