UK PM Burnham assures Albanese of Rabbitohs support

Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged “unwavering commitment” to the AUKUS submarine program to his Australian counterpart.

Giving a summary of Burnham’s phone call with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, a Downing Street spokesman said the deal “embodies her vision for the UK, delivering change in communities like AUKUS has done in Barrow, through re-industrialisation and long-term investment”.

The two leaders “also discussed online safety and the importance of social media bans to protect children,” the statement said.

Elsewhere in the conversation, the pair “talked about their shared love of watching Rugby League and the prime minister said he was delighted to see the Kangaroos return to play in the UK”.

A Downing Street spokesman said: “Both leaders have agreed to be supporters of each other’s home teams, Rugby League’s South Sydney Rabbitohs and Everton.” he said.