UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham Set to Meet Trump at UN General Assembly

LONDON — British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to meet US President Donald Trump for the first time on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with discussions expected to focus on Ukraine, the Middle East and broader UK-US relations.

The meeting is scheduled to take place during Trump’s two-day visit to the UN General Assembly. Burnham is also due to address the annual gathering of world leaders on Tuesday, outlining his government’s approach to Britain’s role in an increasingly complex international environment.

Ukraine is expected to be a key issue in the talks. Burnham has said he intends to urge Trump to provide interceptor missiles to strengthen Ukraine’s air-defence capabilities ahead of another winter of fighting. His government has also expressed concern about the humanitarian and economic consequences of the continuing conflict.

The leaders are also expected to discuss efforts to restore the movement of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The closure of the strategic waterway has contributed to higher oil prices and increased economic pressures.

Burnham previously criticised Trump while serving as mayor of Greater Manchester. In 2019, he said he would refuse to meet the US president if Trump visited Britain. Since becoming prime minister in July, however, Burnham has emphasised the importance of finding common ground with international leaders.

The two leaders have already spoken twice by telephone since Burnham became prime minister. Trump has described Burnham positively, although differences remain between London and Washington on several issues, including immigration, energy policy and Britain’s approach to international affairs.

The British government is also seeking to maintain close cooperation with the United States on defence, intelligence sharing and support for Ukraine, while strengthening Britain’s relationships with European partners and other middle powers.

Burnham’s meeting with Trump comes as the UN General Assembly brings together nearly 130 heads of state and government in New York. Trump is scheduled to hold several bilateral meetings during his visit, including talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while global security and the conflict involving Iran are expected to feature prominently during the gathering.