Andy Burnham is set to come face-to-face with Donald Trump for the first time next week. The two leaders will cross paths at the UN general assembly in New York, as Burnham steps up his presence on the world political stage.
Trump and Burnham have spoken to each other at least twice on the phone since the new PM entered Downing Street in July. The US President even described Burnham as "a very nice guy" last week, but the PM made unflattering comments on Trump in the past.
Past remarks resurface
In a post from 2021, Burnham, who was the Mayor of Greater Manchester at the time, said: "Any UK politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now." This was after the January 6 Capitol riots. In 2017, Burnham, who was also the Manchester Mayor at this time, said the US leader would not be welcome in the city.
Labour chair dismisses concerns
Labour chair Bridget Phillipson suggested these past comments will not get in the way of a strong UK-US relationship. She said: "Look, I think what you've just described there is politics, and the President knows that. And this is not far from unique, and people will express views at different points on different topics, and that's no bar to having a strong relationship."
Phillipson added: "But of course, like there are differences of opinion, we don't have the same political outlook, but the relationship between the UK and the US goes beyond any one President, any one Prime Minister. It's something that has stood the test of time over many centuries."
PM defends old comments
The Prime Minister has previously defended his old remarks on Trump. Last month, the PM said: "I've had a habit of saying what I feel over the years, and I'll continue to do that. But, at the same time, I am somebody who works with people, tries to find common ground, and obviously that's what I should be doing in this job in the British public's interest, and I will always take that approach."
"I'm looking forward actually to my first meeting. We had a good phone call on my first day in office and looking forward to meeting in person."
Relations between the White House and Sir Keir's government later became increasingly strained over the Iran conflict and disagreements about Trump's threats to annex Greenland.
Lib Dem leader urges firm stance
Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey, an outspoken critic of the US president, urged the Prime Minister to take a firmer line in his dealings with the White House. He said: "There is a danger that the new prime minister could be Keir Starmer, but with just better social media, that's not going to help anybody, is it? We need to see some teeth in his relationship with the White House. I want him to stand up to Trump. It's really clear that's the only language the president respects."
