A government minister has characterized Andy Burnham’s earlier criticisms of former US President Donald Trump as routine political discourse ahead of the prime minister’s anticipated meeting with Trump in New York. The encounter is expected to take place on the sidelines of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.

Prime Minister Burnham, who assumed office after Sir Keir Starmer, is scheduled to attend the assembly later this month. This trip is regarded as one of his most significant diplomatic engagements since assuming leadership. Reports indicate that the prime minister and the US president will hold their first in-person discussion, addressing several complex issues including the United Kingdom’s sanctions on Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and broader tensions in the Middle East.

The prospect of a potentially tense meeting emerged following Burnham’s 2021 remarks, when he stated that “any politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now.” Labour chair and equalities minister Bridget Phillipson was asked on a Sunday morning broadcast whether this past comment might complicate the upcoming dialogue. Phillipson responded by framing such statements as part of standard political strategy, suggesting that Trump is aware of the adversarial nature of political exchanges.

Despite the critical tone of Burnham’s prior comments, Trump has expressed a largely positive view of Burnham’s initial weeks in office. Their relationship contrasts sharply with the deteriorated ties between Trump and Burnham’s predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, particularly in the final months of Starmer’s premiership. Notably, Trump was among the first international leaders Burnham contacted after taking office, signaling a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics between the UK and the United States under the new prime minister.