US president used talks on UN sidelines to renew his attack on Britain's sovereignty deal over the strategic military archipelago — even as he praised the new prime minister as a "natural business per...

Prime Minister Andy Burnham and US President Donald Trump held their first face-to-face meeting on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two leaders. During the meeting, Trump claimed that relations between the US and UK are 'more up' under Burnham than they were under his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer, stating that he believes the relationship is 'better now than when Starmer was PM.' Trump praised Burnham as a 'natural businessman' and 'great prime minister,' highlighting their positive interaction. The two leaders discussed various topics including trade, energy, immigration, the Falklands, Ukraine, and the Chagos Islands. Trump criticized the UK's deal to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius as 'ridiculous' and a 'terrible deal,' while Burnham pledged to work hard to find a resolution to the dispute. Notably, the leaders expressed contrasting views on artificial intelligence: Burnham described AI as 'one of the biggest challenges we all face' and advocated for 'global principles and standards' to govern its development, whereas Trump rejected any global scheme to control AI, referring to it as 'super-intelligence.' Burnham also emphasized the UK's 'positive story' to counter post-Brexit turbulence, while Trump expressed confidence in the UK's leadership and potential for success. The meeting concluded with Trump stating that he and Burnham had 'established a good connection' and that they were 'doing very well' in their relationship. Despite Burnham's initial nervousness, as noted by analysts, the encounter appeared to be a diplomatic success for the UK, with Trump's positive remarks potentially bolstering Burnham's position domestically and internationally. The discussion also touched on Rolls-Royce, with Trump claiming credit for ensuring the company's proper management without forcing production in Brooklyn, New York. Overall, the meeting highlighted both areas of cooperation and potential friction between the two nations, particularly regarding AI governance and territorial disputes.

US President Donald Trump has criticized a British agreement regarding the Chagos Islands during his first face-to-face meeting with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Trump expressed strong disapproval of the deal, calling it 'terrible' and 'ridiculous,' and stated that he does not support the transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, including a US military airbase, to Mauritius. The President argued that the facility is strategically important to the United States. Trump's comments also highlighted tensions between the US and the UK, as he has previously bristled at the UK's refusal to support US military actions, including a war on Iran. During the meeting, Trump praised Burnham as a 'natural business person' whom he could work with, but his criticism of the Chagos Islands deal threatens to strain relations between the two leaders. The discussion took place amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to address regional security concerns, particularly in the Middle East, where the US has been engaged in military operations. The UK's decision to transfer sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, which include a strategic US airbase, has been a point of contention, with Trump insisting on the importance of maintaining US strategic interests in the region. This meeting underscores the complex diplomatic landscape facing both nations as they navigate their relationship under the current administration. The Prime Minister of the UK faces significant challenges in building a cooperative relationship with the US President, given the divergent views on key international issues. The incident also reflects broader geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning the Middle East and the strategic importance of military bases in the Indian Ocean. As the UN General Assembly continues, the focus remains on global security and diplomatic engagement, with this meeting serving as a microcosm of the challenges in international relations.

via ABC News: Top Stories — Britain's Prime Minister Andy Burnham is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump for the first time

via World news | The Guardian — The PM hopes to be firmer with the US leader than his predecessor without provoking diplomatic warfare, as the Iran war weighs on the UK economy No international relationship has more power to determine the success of Andy Burnham’s premiership. So you might imagine the stakes for the prime minister’s first face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump on Tuesday would be high. Yet Burnham may prove to be a lucky general. The balance of risk has shifted. Trump is unpopular at home, where inflation rema

via US news | The Guardian — The US president is ever more wayward – and has little interest in defending Europe. The constitution may hold him to account, but we can’t wait If Americans vote for a Republican majority in both houses of Congress in November, “I will issue a dividend to every adult citizen in the United States of America for $5,000.” But they must not spend it in Canada or China or anywhere else outside the US. So said Donald Trump in Texas on Wednesday in advance of the forthcoming midterm elections. He furt

Prime Minister Andy Burnham exchanged messages with an individual who impersonated Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, according to a report. The British embassy in Washington raised concerns with the White House after the suspicious activity was reported. While the exact content of the messages remains unclear, officials confirmed no significant information was exchanged. This incident follows a broader US investigation into cyber threats involving impersonation of high-profile individuals, including Wiles. President Donald Trump has previously criticized such breaches, stating that no one can impersonate his aides. Burnham’s actions have sparked discussions about cybersecurity protocols and UK-US diplomatic relations, particularly amid tensions over energy policies and immigration. The incident highlights the growing risks of digital impersonation and the need for heightened security measures, especially for political figures. The UK government has maintained a stance of non-comment on national security matters, emphasizing the sensitivity of the issue.

Set months before Second World War, Springwood blends history and drama

Tony Blair has cautioned Andy Burnham about the complexities of leading Labour, emphasizing the need for strong US ties amid geopolitical uncertainties. During a discussion at the Tony Blair Institute’s summer drinks event in London, Blair warned Burnham that his leadership would not be universally welcomed, particularly given the UK's strategic relationship with the United States. The former Prime Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining robust American alliances to counter potential threats from Russia, noting the risks of a full-scale European conflict without US support. Blair also critiqued Labour’s rapid net zero policies, arguing they risk harming British businesses while acknowledging the long-term necessity of transitioning to clean energy. The conversation took place as Burnham secured his position as Labour's next leader, with Blair expressing cautious optimism about his potential to reshape the party’s culture. Despite their differences, Blair praised Burnham’s political acumen and genuine engagement with constituents, underscoring the challenges of balancing domestic priorities with international responsibilities.

The article explores the challenges faced by Andy Burnham, the UK's next prime minister, in navigating complex relations with Donald Trump. It highlights expert advice on balancing diplomacy with firmness, emphasizing the need to avoid kowtowing to Trump's demands while securing strategic benefits for the UK. Key points include the decline of the 'special relationship' concept, historical context of UK-US alliances, and strategies such as focusing on defense spending, cutting deals, and maintaining a 'tough love' stance. Experts warn against obsequious behavior, suggesting instead a confident approach that aligns with Trump's interests without compromising British sovereignty. The piece also references past leaders' experiences with Trump, noting the importance of building alliances with a potential Democratic Congress to counterbalance Trump's influence. Ultimately, the article underscores the delicate task of managing a fractured alliance while advancing domestic and international priorities.

The article is a critical opinion piece examining a reported pharmaceutical agreement between the UK government, led by Keir Starmer, and the United States. The deal is said to involve increased UK spending on branded medicines in exchange for avoiding higher US tariffs on British pharmaceutical exports. The author argues that the agreement has been introduced with limited parliamentary scrutiny and insufficient transparency regarding its long-term financial and health implications. According to analysis cited in the piece, the policy could significantly increase NHS spending on branded drugs, potentially doubling its share of national income over the next decade. Critics referenced in the article claim that official government estimates of the cost are understated and that the actual financial burden could be substantially higher than communicated. The article also highlights concerns that increased pharmaceutical expenditure may divert funding away from other essential NHS services, including staffing, diagnostics, and treatments such as cancer care. A central claim discussed is that reduced healthcare funding in other areas could have serious public health consequences, with one academic analysis projecting a large number of excess deaths over the coming decade if NHS budgets are squeezed. The author frames this as part of a broader democratic accountability issue, arguing that the deal was advanced with minimal parliamentary debate and limited public disclosure. The piece further criticises media scrutiny, suggesting that broader political coverage has overshadowed detailed examination of the agreement itself. Overall, the article presents the pharmaceutical agreement as a major policy shift with potentially far-reaching consequences for the NHS, public spending priorities, and patient outcomes, while raising questions about transparency, democratic oversight, and the balance between trade policy and public health.

via US news | The Guardian — Both nations are tarred by irreconcilable crises that could unravel democracy itself – sanity and stability have never felt further from reach A feature of living at the end of an era is that some events in the present already feel like future artefacts – things you expect to see in a school history book, or a documentary many years from now. Here is King Charles’s 2026 state visit to the United States, right between the chapters on the war on Iran and the global energy crisis. Here is an image

King Charles III's visit to meet President Trump is filled with humor and tension. From jokes about speaking French to serious discussions on alliances and nuclear weapons, the visit highlights the co...

In remarks delivered during a rare address, Charles referred to NATO, the need for continued US support for Ukraine in its war with Russia, and warned against isolationism. He also spoke about safegua...

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The meeting between Charles and Trump came as differences continue over the US conflict with Iran. The visit is aimed at maintaining ties between the two countries.

via World news | The Guardian — Monarch to allude to recent strains in special relationship in speech to both houses during four-day state visit King Charles is expected to allude to recent strains between the UK and US in a rare address by a monarch to the US Congress as he will underline that “time and again our two countries have always found ways to come together”. The king’s remarks in a speech to both houses on Tuesday come after Donald Trump has threatened to tear up a trade deal signed by the UK and US, mocked the Roya