Burnham Heads to UN with AI Pitch and Trump Meeting on Agenda

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham is in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he is expected to meet US President Donald Trump for the first time on Tuesday. The meeting marks Burnham's first significant foray into global diplomacy since taking office in July.

Speaking to reporters en route to New York, Burnham emphasised the common ground he believes he has found with Trump on artificial intelligence. Both leaders have championed the technology's potential while acknowledging the need to weigh its risks. Burnham said he wanted to "find that point of balance" rather than become a "doom-monger" about AI, adding that he is "clear-eyed about the huge benefits it can bring as well as recognising where we do need to be careful".

Burnham described Britain as "uniquely placed" to take a leadership role on AI, citing its close ties with the US, an improving relationship with the EU, and "decent relations" with China and India. He pointed to the UK's upcoming presidency of the G20, particularly the summit to be held in Manchester next year, as an opportunity to showcase British work in the field. "We are in a strong and unique position to do something, I think we can be an honest broker," he said.

On Ukraine, Burnham said he would use his time at the UN to encourage further air defence support, reiterating a call he made in Kyiv last month.

The prime minister has set out a different approach to his predecessor, Keir Starmer, who sought to win over the US leader. Burnham has said he will disagree with Trump when it is in Britain's interest, while describing himself as someone "who tries to work with people". He said he had had at least two warm and cordial calls with Trump since taking over, and that they had "found a connection".

Burnham will also meet Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with whom he shares support for Everton football club. Carney, who has advocated closer cooperation among middle powers, will attend a Middle East meeting alongside Burnham on Tuesday. "When two Evertonians get together ... a certain magic happens," Burnham said.