UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he expects to find common ground with US President Donald Trump when the two leaders meet in person for the first time in New York.
The meeting comes during the United Nations General Assembly, where world leaders have gathered for talks on major global issues. Burnham and Trump have already spoken twice by phone since Burnham became prime minister in July. Downing Street has described those conversations as productive.
Burnham Seeks Common Ground With Trump
Speaking to reporters while travelling to the United States, Burnham said he wants to approach Trump pragmatically.
He said the two leaders had already established a connection through their phone conversations. Therefore, he plans to focus on areas where Britain and the United States can work together.
Burnham also described the wider UK-US relationship as strong. However, he has made clear that he intends to defend British interests when London and Washington disagree.
The meeting will form part of a busy diplomatic schedule for Trump. The US president is holding talks with numerous world leaders during the UN gathering, including Burnham and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
AI Partnership Takes Center Stage
Meanwhile, Burnham plans to use his first UN appearance as prime minister to highlight artificial intelligence.
He is expected to call for greater international cooperation on AI. His agenda also includes Ukraine, the Middle East and the wider impact of emerging technologies.
In addition, Britain and the United States are launching a new AI defence partnership. The initiative will focus on trusted and interoperable AI systems that can help protect critical infrastructure and strengthen national security.
Britain’s Defence Rapid AI Delivery Taskforce will work with the US Department of War’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office. The two sides aim to speed up the development and deployment of AI capabilities.
Burnham has also argued that countries need stronger international cooperation to manage both the benefits and risks of advanced AI.
Britain and US Demonstrate Military Cooperation
Ahead of the meeting, Britain revealed another example of military cooperation with the United States.
The two countries recently tested an American heavyweight torpedo from a British uncrewed underwater vessel. UK officials said the exercise marked a first for both countries.
The 12-metre underwater drone, known as Excalibur, launched the torpedo in UK waters. Officials designed the exercise to explore new ways to protect critical infrastructure, including deep-sea communications cables.
The demonstration also gives Burnham another example of ongoing defence cooperation to discuss with Trump.
Diego Garcia Deal Remains Unresolved
Burnham also faces a separate diplomatic challenge involving the Chagos Islands and the strategic military base on Diego Garcia.
Britain agreed a deal with Mauritius to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands while retaining a long-term lease for the Diego Garcia base. However, the agreement still faces US opposition.
Trump previously criticized the arrangement and described it as a mistake. As a result, British legislation needed to implement the agreement remains stalled.
Burnham spoke with Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam before travelling to New York. He said Britain remains committed to securing the long-term operation of Diego Garcia.
However, Burnham acknowledged that the UK does not yet have a final resolution.
A Wider Test for the UK-US Relationship
The Burnham Trump meeting comes at a significant moment for Britain’s foreign policy.
Burnham wants to maintain close ties with Washington while also pursuing British interests on issues where the two governments may disagree.
At the same time, the prime minister faces several major international issues during his first UN General Assembly appearance.
Ukraine, the Middle East, AI security and defence cooperation are all expected to feature in his diplomatic agenda.
The first face-to-face meeting with Trump will therefore provide an early test of how Burnham approaches the UK-US relationship. For now, Burnham says he expects the two leaders to find areas of agreement.
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