UK PM Burnham Visits Kyiv, Trades Riffs With Ukrainian Troops
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham made his first visit to Ukraine as PM on Monday, August 24, 2026, stopping by a military arts unit that performs for troops at the front, in hospitals and at rehabilitation centers. Inside the unit's mobile recording studio, a soldier handed him a guitar, and Burnham launched into the riff from The Smiths' 1985 Meat is Murder track "Rusholme Ruffians."
According to NME, Burnham admitted mid-riff that he was "out of practice" and told those present it was a song by a Manchester band. The Independent reports that the soldiers then sang him a song by Oasis in return.
What happened in Kyiv
- Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
- Location: a military arts unit's mobile recording studio, Kyiv, Ukraine
- What was played: The Smiths' "Rusholme Ruffians" (from 1985's Meat is Murder)
- The reply: Ukrainian soldiers sang an Oasis song in return
Burnham said in the interview that music can "lift spirits" at the front.
From Manchester music fan to Downing Street
Burnham has long spoken publicly about his taste in music, especially Manchester's scene. He once secured Oasis's permission to use "Some Might Say" in a by-election campaign video, and in his 2021 victory speech after being elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, he paid tribute to The Courteeners by quoting "Not Nineteen Forever." Last month he publicly listed his favorite bands, including The Smiths, Oasis and Wolf Alice.
Music policy and industry pressure
Around the time Burnham entered 10 Downing Street, the UK government unveiled a new "Music Plan," adding £15 million to a growth program to bring its total to £45 million. MPs said the plan would benefit more than 40,000 artists and industry workers, 2,000 projects, and millions of children over three years, with the goal of bringing more people from working-class backgrounds into the music industry.
Burnham has long supported grassroots music venues and has publicly backed a £1 ticket levy on shows at arena-level venues and above, with proceeds going to emerging artists and small venues. Issues the industry is currently pressing the new government to address include post-Brexit touring cost barriers, AI-related copyright exceptions, and a previously promised ban on ticket touts.
Separately, Radiohead's Thom Yorke, members of Massive Attack and The Cure's Robert Smith have recently signed a joint letter calling on Burnham and the UK government to block development of the Rosebank oil field in the North Sea.