LONDON — Donald Trump has offered an unexpectedly warm assessment of Andy Burnham, describing the British prime minister as a “natural businessperson” and declaring that the UK is in a stronger position than it was under his predecessor, Keir Starmer. The remarks came during the two leaders’ first face-to-face encounter on the sidelines of the United Nations general assembly in New York, a meeting that appeared to smooth over earlier tensions and signal a promising start to what Downing Street had hoped would be a productive diplomatic relationship.
Yet beneath the cordial exchanges lay a significant sticking point. Trump delivered a scathing critique of the Labour government’s agreement to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while retaining a lease on the strategically vital Diego Garcia military base. The president made no secret of his disapproval, calling the arrangement “terrible” and “ridiculous” in pointed remarks to reporters.
A Warm Reception in New York
The tone of the encounter shifted markedly from the outset, after weeks of cautious anticipation on both sides. Trump had previously stirred unease in Westminster by labelling Burnham “extremely liberal” and dismissing his tenure as mayor of Greater Manchester by referring to him as the “mayor of a town.” Those comments had raised questions about whether the two leaders would find common ground.
Any doubts were quickly dispelled. Trump told journalists that he believed Burnham possessed “a lot of assets on his side” and would prove a “great prime minister.” He said the pair had discussed a wide range of issues, adding: “We talked about everything from Rolls-Royce to energy to immigration – we covered a lot.”
Burnham, for his part, struck a gracious note, saying he and the president had “established a good connection in our early discussions and we’ve taken that further today.” The prime minister’s carefully calibrated approach appeared to pay dividends, with even the most sceptical observers acknowledging that the meeting had gone to plan for both sides.
Notably, Trump went further than some UK officials might have expected, suggesting that the country’s fortunes had improved since Starmer’s tenure. “I think you’re up. Well, they’re more now than they were with your last prime minister, let me put it that way,” he said. He added: “I think right now, based on my relationship with your prime minister, Andy, I think we’re doing very well.”
Chagos Deal Becomes Flashpoint
The mood shifted abruptly when the conversation turned to the contentious Chagos Islands agreement. The Labour government’s deal, which transfers sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius while securing a continued US military presence at Diego Garcia, has drawn criticism from multiple quarters. Trump did not hold back.
“I don’t support it. I think it’s terrible. It was a terrible deal,” he said. “They [Mauritius] all of a sudden say they have ownership. Somebody has ownership that never showed up before after decades and centuries. I think it’s ridiculous.”
The president underscored the strategic significance of the territory, noting the logistical challenges faced by US forces in the absence of a permanent base. “No, we were talking about that, and [the islands are] strategically very important. Very important. You know, we had to send our B-2 bombers … back home to Missouri, as opposed to flying for a short period of time.”
Trump indicated that he expected Downing Street to revisit the issue, stating: “It’s amazing how strategic it is, and I think the prime minister is going to be looking at it.” His intervention is likely to add pressure on Burnham at a time when the government is already navigating complex diplomatic waters. The question of Diego Garcia’s future remains one of the most sensitive outstanding matters in the bilateral relationship.
Iran Conflict and Domestic Disputes
The leaders also addressed the ongoing conflict with Iran, with Trump making a bold prediction about its economic consequences. He claimed that “as soon as the war is over the prices are going to come way down,” a statement that will do little to reassure households already grappling with the cost-of-living pressures that continue to dominate domestic politics.
The president’s comments on the economy offered few specifics, but they reflected a broader attempt to frame the conflict in optimistic terms despite widespread scepticism among economists and ministers. How oil markets and supply chains respond once hostilities cease remains an open question, and one that will dominate debate in the coming months.
Relations between the White House and sections of the press were also laid bare during the encounter. Trump hit back at journalists who questioned why certain reporters have been barred from the White House, prompting a wider boycott by media organisations. He defended his position by claiming he had a “right to clean out fake news,” a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom advocates across the globe.
The dispute is unlikely to fade anytime soon, particularly as broadcasters and newspapers continue to challenge what they describe as an escalating assault on independent journalism. For Burnham, navigating these transatlantic tensions while maintaining a close working relationship with Washington represents a delicate balancing act.
Why it Matters
The New York meeting marks an important early test of Burnham’s ability to cultivate a personal rapport with one of the world’s most unpredictable leaders. While the warm exchanges will be welcomed by allies who fear a more transactional approach to diplomacy, Trump’s fierce opposition to the Chagos Islands deal serves as a stark reminder that even the closest partnerships carry friction. How Downing Street manages these competing pressures will shape not only the UK’s standing on the world stage but also the practical consequences for communities and military planners with a direct stake in territories thousands of miles from British shores.
