Burnham Gives Ukraine Long-Range Missile Plans

Andy Burnham is set to authorise European defence contractor MBDA to declassify technical information on British components used in the Scalp long-range missile system, according to details emerging ahead of his visit to mark Ukraine’s independence day.

The Scalp missile represents the French-manufactured variant of Britain’s Storm Shadow weapon, with both systems sharing French and British technology. Ukrainian officials and Paris are currently pursuing plans to establish assembly lines for domestic production of the missile inside Ukraine.

First Foreign Trip Signals Continuity

Burnham’s decision to make Kyiv the destination for his inaugural overseas visit as Prime Minister underscores his administration’s commitment to maintaining UK support for Ukraine. The trip comes as Ukraine marks its 35th anniversary of independence from Soviet rule.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will chair a meeting of the coalition of the willing, an initiative established by the UK and France under former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to coordinate Western support for Ukraine. Burnham is also scheduled to participate in several Independence Day ceremonies and accept an award on behalf of the British people recognising the UK’s sustained assistance.

Westminster Lights Up in Ukrainian Colours

In London, the Ministry of Defence marked the occasion by illuminating both its main building and the Palace of Westminster with the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag, demonstrating continued British solidarity with Kyiv.

The declassification of missile technology represents a significant escalation in Western military support, potentially enabling Ukraine to manufacture sophisticated long-range strike capabilities domestically rather than relying solely on imported weapons systems.

With information from GB News