US-UK relationship 'more up' with Burnham than Starmer, Trump claims

US President Donald Trump has stated that the US-UK relationship is currently more positive than when Sir Keir Starmer was Prime Minister, according to remarks made following their meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

During their 40-minute discussion, newly appointed UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham claimed he had "established a good connection" with Trump, and the two leaders explored topics such as trade, energy, and immigration. Burnham also emphasized Britain's positive story to contrast with the turbulence following Brexit.

Despite the positive rapport, there are still disagreements between the two leaders on topics like artificial intelligence regulation and the transfer of sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which includes the military base at Diego Garcia.

Trump dismissed claims of strained relations with Britain, stating that the US-Britain relationship is "up" now more than it was under Starmer. He praised Burnham as a "natural business person" and remarked on a positive relationship based on their phone conversations.

When Burnham joked about Trump referring to Manchester as a "town," Trump praised the Prime Minister's recent win in the Makerfield by-election and expressed confidence that Burnham would be a great Prime Minister. Both leaders covered various subjects, including Rolls-Royce, energy, and immigration.

The Prime Minister also addressed Britain's current standing, countering narratives of decline by stating that the country has much to offer and it's time to promote a positive narrative. Trump criticized the Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius and suggested that Burnham might look into the deal further. They also disagreed on the future of AI regulation, with Burnham advocating for internationally-agreed rules and Trump opposing what he called a "globalist scheme."