US President Donald Trump praised British Prime Minister Andy Burnham as a “natural business person” following their first face-to-face meeting in New York.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday. Their talks lasted around 40 minutes and covered economic growth, artificial intelligence, international conflicts and several issues affecting UK-US relations.
Trump and Burnham Hold First Face-to-Face Talks
The meeting came after several days of preparation by Burnham’s team. Despite potential areas of disagreement, the talks appeared largely constructive.
Trump spoke positively about the new British prime minister and indicated that he believed the two leaders could work effectively together.
He described Burnham as a “natural business person” and pointed to the conversations they had already held by phone before meeting in person.
Burnham became prime minister in July, replacing Keir Starmer. Trump also spoke positively about Britain’s prospects under the new government.
Burnham Describes Meeting as Encouraging
Before arriving in New York, Burnham had been cautious about predicting how the meeting would unfold.
However, he said that two previous telephone conversations with Trump had helped establish a connection between them.
Following their meeting, Burnham said that relationship had developed further and described the talks as encouraging.
According to the British leader, the two sides identified common ground on several major issues. These included easing cost-of-living pressures, encouraging industrial investment, supporting economic growth and addressing conflict in the Middle East.
Burnham also welcomed Trump’s positive assessment of the British economy and its future prospects.
AI Emerges as Key Area of Common Ground
Artificial intelligence was another major topic surrounding Burnham’s visit to the United States.
The British prime minister has placed AI near the centre of his economic agenda. He argues that the technology could deliver significant benefits for both Britain and the wider global economy.
Trump has also promoted a relatively pro-growth approach towards artificial intelligence. His administration has generally argued against imposing regulations that could unnecessarily restrict the development of the technology.
However, differences could still emerge over exactly how AI should be regulated.
Burnham has called for international cooperation and clearer global standards, while the US approach has placed greater emphasis on allowing technological development to continue without excessive new restrictions.
Chagos Islands Remain a Point of Disagreement
Despite the positive tone of the meeting, Trump raised concerns about Britain’s agreement involving the Chagos Islands.
Under the arrangement negotiated during Starmer’s government, Britain would transfer sovereignty of the islands to Mauritius while maintaining control of the strategically important Diego Garcia military base through a 99-year lease.
Trump again criticised the proposal, describing it as a “terrible deal.”
Diego Garcia hosts a major UK-US military facility and plays an important strategic role for American and British forces.
Burnham said he had inherited the issue from the previous government. He indicated that his administration would continue working with the United States and other parties to find an acceptable solution.
Burnham Signals Firm Position on Falkland Islands
The British prime minister also made clear that closer cooperation with Washington would not prevent Britain from defending its own interests where disagreements emerge.
Burnham said his government would defend the right of people living in the Falkland Islands to determine their own future and remain British if that is their choice.
The issue has attracted renewed attention after Trump said in August that Washington was reviewing its traditionally neutral position regarding the South Atlantic islands.
Argentina continues to claim sovereignty over the Falklands, while Britain maintains that the islanders themselves should determine their political status.
Other UK-US Differences Remain
Other potential areas of disagreement were also present during the discussions.
Britain’s position on imports connected to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank remains different from Washington’s approach.
The two countries have also taken different positions regarding aspects of the conflict involving Iran.
Nevertheless, those disagreements did not dominate the first meeting between Trump and Burnham. Instead, both leaders focused heavily on areas where cooperation could continue.
Burnham Turns Attention to Artificial Intelligence
Following his meeting with Trump, Burnham shifted his attention back towards artificial intelligence and Britain’s ambition to become a major international player in the sector.
During a business roundtable in New York, the prime minister argued for greater international coordination on AI.
He said Britain would support efforts to establish a common framework of global principles and standards. The aim would be to unlock the economic potential of artificial intelligence while also addressing its risks.
Burnham has presented technological development as an important part of his broader plan to strengthen Britain’s economy.
His message was also reflected in his UN address, where he argued that Britain needed greater stability, stronger economic growth and a willingness to embrace the opportunities created by new technology.
Burnham Promises Long-Term Stability for Britain
Burnham has framed his economic agenda against the political turbulence Britain has experienced since the 2016 Brexit referendum.
Speaking to business leaders in New York, he said his government wanted to provide a clearer long-term direction for the country.
His objective is to establish a 10-year plan that gives companies, investors and the wider public greater certainty about Britain’s economic priorities.
Business figures attending discussions surrounding the UN gathering included Apple’s Tim Cook and Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser.
Burnham has argued that political stability, investment and technological innovation could help Britain improve productivity and strengthen its position in the global economy.
The meeting with Trump therefore marked an important early test of Burnham’s international relationships as prime minister.
While disagreements remain over issues such as the Chagos Islands, the first direct talks between the two leaders highlighted several potential areas for cooperation, particularly around economic growth, industrial development and artificial intelligence.
