Andy Burnham is expected to meet Donald Trump in New York next week as both leaders attend the United Nations General Assembly, setting up their first face-to-face encounter against a backdrop of increasingly complicated UK-US relations.
The meeting has not yet been formally confirmed, with Downing Street sources saying the mayor’s schedule and engagements in New York are still being finalised.
However, Burnham has indicated that he expects to meet the US president during the visit.
The discussions are likely to touch on several international and domestic issues where Washington and London have taken differing positions.
Ukraine Likely to Feature in Talks
Burnham has indicated that support for Ukraine will be among the issues he intends to raise with Trump.
The prospective meeting comes as the future of Western support for Ukraine remains a major international concern, with the UK continuing to back Kyiv while Trump has repeatedly called for an approach focused on bringing the conflict to an end.
Burnham has also played down concerns over comments he previously made about Trump, arguing that political disagreements do not prevent leaders from finding areas of common ground.
Iran War Adds Diplomatic Tension
Relations between Britain and the Trump administration have also been complicated by the conflict involving Iran.
The UK Government‘s decision not to participate directly in the US-Israeli war against Iran has been a source of friction, while the conflict itself has disrupted global energy markets and placed further pressure on relations between Washington and its European allies.
Keir Starmer’s first meeting with Trump was initially regarded as a diplomatic success, but relations subsequently became more difficult as disagreements emerged over Britain’s position on the Iran conflict.
Falklands Dispute Raises Concerns
The Falkland Islands are another potential point of disagreement.
Trump has recently suggested that the United States might not support Britain in the event of another Argentine attempt to assert control over the islands.
He has also linked the issue to Britain’s refusal to become directly involved in the Iran conflict.
The comments have added another sensitive subject to the list of issues that could arise in discussions between British and American officials.
Trump Remarks on Northern Ireland
The US president has also generated controversy by appearing to support the possibility of Northern Ireland becoming part of a united Ireland.
The suggestion was rejected by the UK Government, which maintains its position that Northern Ireland’s constitutional status can only change with the consent of its people.
Trump’s comments have added to the political sensitivities surrounding his relationship with the British Government as Burnham prepares for a possible meeting with him.
Technology Regulation Creates Another Divide
Technology policy is another area where the two countries have adopted different approaches.
US officials have reportedly expressed private concerns about Britain’s online safety legislation, including proposals involving restrictions on social media access for children under 16.
Artificial intelligence has created another point of divergence.
While Britain has supported measures designed to establish safeguards around AI development, Trump has previously questioned the need for extensive regulatory “guardrails”, instead making a pointed reference to the importance of having a president with a “very high IQ”.
Trump Calls Burnham ‘Very Nice’
Trump offered a relatively cordial assessment of Burnham earlier this week, describing the Labour politician as a “very nice guy” while adding that he was “on the liberal side”.
The remark came despite the pair having previously traded criticism.
Burnham had once suggested, while serving as mayor of Greater Manchester, that he would not give Trump “the time of day” and had indicated that he might reject an opportunity to meet him.
Burnham Changes His Approach
Burnham has since adopted a more conciliatory position ahead of his expected trip to New York.
Speaking last month, he acknowledged that Trump had also made controversial remarks about him but argued that politicians routinely say things during political disputes.
“Everyone says things as politicians,” Burnham said, adding that when people meet face-to-face, they can engage with each other and seek common ground.
He said that finding areas of agreement had always been part of his approach and that, in his role, working with others was necessary in the interests of the British public.
Burnham also referred to a positive telephone conversation with Trump on his first day in office and said he was looking forward to meeting the president in person.
New York Meeting Remains Unfinalised
Despite Burnham’s comments, Downing Street has not formally confirmed that a meeting with Trump will take place.
The two men are expected to be in New York for the UN General Assembly, creating an opportunity for direct discussions as Britain and the United States navigate disagreements over Ukraine, Iran, the Falklands, Northern Ireland and technology regulation.
For Burnham, the potential encounter would mark a significant change from his earlier refusal to contemplate meeting Trump and would place him directly in discussions with the US president at a particularly sensitive point in the transatlantic relationship.
