Andy Burnham is due to sit down with former US President Donald Trump in New York on Tuesday, marking their inaugural face‑to‑face encounter. The meeting comes after a turbulent period in UK‑US relations, during which Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s early rapport with Trump deteriorated amid trade disputes and pointed criticism. Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, hopes his reputation for staying calm under pressure will help him navigate the delicate diplomacy and uncover areas of agreement, particularly on defence cooperation and emerging AI initiatives.
Starmer‑Trump Relations Take a Turn for the Worse
The initial warmth between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump quickly faded after the president reportedly discarded the draft of a UK‑US trade agreement on the Oval Office floor. Starmer’s recalled reaction – “for f***’s sake” – was captured by photographers and later cited as evidence of his perceived deference to the unpredictable leader. Subsequent Trump‑imposed tariffs, including measures affecting the UK, and his vocal opposition to North Sea drilling further strained the partnership. At one point Trump dismissed Starmer as “no Churchill”, a remark that lingered in Labour circles and added pressure on any UK official engaging with the former president.
Burnham’s Calm Demeanour Earns Backing from Labour Veterans
Ahead of the New York meeting, senior Labour figures have expressed confidence that Burnham possesses the temperament required to handle Trump’s notoriously volatile style. Former party leader Neil Kinnock, who met Ronald Reagan in the White House in 1984, offered a colourful analogy: “Andy’s got to deal with Trump like hedgehogs make love – carefully….That’s just basic, but nobody’s got to tell him that. That’s what he’ll do.” Kinnock also praised Burnham’s composure, noting, “The good thing about Andy, he is a very cool guy. He doesn’t burst into flames.” He added that while his own irritation threshold with Trump would be low, Burnham’s is higher, allowing him to “keep his temper, and if he doesn’t actually bite his tongue, he’ll discipline it, so it’ll be OK.”
Defence and AI Cooperation on the Agenda
Burnham intends to arrive in New York with a concrete narrative of UK‑US collaboration to present to Trump. He plans to highlight a joint programme centred on torpedo development and a fresh partnership focused on artificial intelligence for defence applications. By framing the discussion around shared security interests, Burnham hopes to demonstrate that Britain can be a steadfast, independent partner while still seeking common ground. The strategy reflects a deliberate effort to avoid appearing subservient while also refraining from provoking the former president – a tightrope walk that Starmer reportedly struggled to navigate.
Why it Matters
The outcome of Burnham’s first meeting with Trump could shape the trajectory of UK‑US relations at a time when both nations are reassessing trade, security and technological alliances. A constructive dialogue may open pathways for renewed cooperation on defence projects and AI standards, reinforcing Britain’s position as a reliable ally despite political turbulence. Conversely, a misstep could exacerbate existing tensions and complicate future negotiations on trade and climate policy. Burnham’s ability to project calm authority while asserting national interests will therefore be closely watched by policymakers on both sides of the Atlantic.
