Andy Burnham rejects invitation to America's 250th birthday bash 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".

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Jeremy Clarkson has shared his verdict on the future of Labour with Andy Burnham leading the charge to replace Sir Keir Starmer as leader.

The outspoken celeb has openly - and repeatedly - taken aim at Sir Keir Starmer, who is now just weeks away from packing his bags and moving out of No10.

But the Clarkson's Farm star, who has previously teased that he might throw his hat in the ring to challenge Ed Miliband for his Doncaster North seat, might have similar dismay for Mr Burnham.

Taking to X, Mr Clarkson reacted to a post from one social media user who asked their followers: "Do you think Andy Burnham will be worse than Starmer?"

A senior minister has batted off accusations that Sir Keir Starmer's Defence Investment Plan (Dip) is enough to keep Britain safe is "laughable".

"Before the Dip is even published, we are already investing record amounts in defence of our nation £270billion over the course of this Parliament, which is the highest sustained increase in spending since the Cold War," Mr Murray said.

"The Dip is on top of that. It's extra investment to go even further, and there's a real focus on making sure that we're ready for the wars and for the conflicts of the future, with a focus on drones.

"For instance, £5billion over the next four years to make sure we've got that capacity so that we can meet the modern threats that we face as a country and keep our nation safe."

James Murray fell under fire on GB News after he settled a deal with resident doctors to calm simmering tensions ahead of a planned walkout by the unions.

The doctors have settled on a 6.6 per cent pay rise but will be allowed to go on strike again next year.

"Well, I think this is good news, not just for resident doctors, but also for all staff working in the NHS and many of whom have been picking up the pressure when strikes have been happening in recent years," Mr Murray started.

"But most importantly, it's good news for patients. It's good news for patients in the NHS because it means that we as a Government, can now work with resident doctors to make the NHS stronger and to make sure we're doing the best we can to serve patients."

"So this is, I hope, the start of a new relationship between a Government and resident doctors that we can build on to make the NHS stronger."

Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of "leaving the cupboard bare" on Britain's defences.

On GB News, the Deputy Editor at Spiked Online Fraser Myers said it was "damning" that Sir Keir failed to meet the needs of defence chiefs as the Prime Minister is set to unveil is long-awaited Defence Investment Plan.

Speaking to GB News, Mr Myers said: "It's an extraordinary parting shot from the Prime Minister. You'd have thought that he liked to present himself as someone who was on top of foreign affairs, as someone who took defence seriously.

"In fact, he even name-checked defence as one of his great achievements in his resignation speech, and yet he's leaving the cupboard bare when it comes to defence."

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.