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UK's Burnham heads to US with pragmatism in mind for Trump meeting
The talks are expected to focus on Ukraine, the Middle East and trade as Burnham seeks common ground with Trump on his first meeting.
On Monday, Prime Minister Andy Burnham heads to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he will hold his first diplomatic encounter with President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
While previously critical of the president, Burnham plans a "pragmatic" approach to finding "common ground" with Trump, shifting away from the flatter-heavy strategy used by predecessor Keir Starmer.
Security concerns top the agenda, including Burnham's urgent calls for more air defense support for Ukraine and efforts to restore shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict.
Urging a tougher stance, Liberal Democrat leader Davey told the Prime Minister that standing up to Trump is the "only language" the president respects regarding British interests.
Coinciding with calls from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for closer cooperation among so-called "middle powers," this meeting tests Burnham's ability to navigate an unpredictable "America first" foreign policy.