British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told United States President Donald Trump that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon, while also demanding the immediate release of British citizen Jimmy Lai.
Burnham made the position known when he met Trump on Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on UK-US relations, trade, migration and several international issues, including the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, the war in Ukraine, Diego Garcia, the Falkland Islands and the case of Lai.
The two leaders began by stressing “the value of the closeness of the relationship between the UK and the US”, while highlighting their “warm and constructive phone calls” since Burnham became prime minister.
On trade, they discussed its importance to both countries, with Burnham saying existing agreements had brought “clear benefits to British people back home.”
He also spoke about his plans to “making Britain feel good about itself again” through “setting a clear direction and reindustrialisation”, describing it as “a draw-a-line moment for the country.”
Migration was also discussed, with Burnham highlighting what the statement described as a decline in small-boat crossings and net migration.
He said summer small-boat crossings were “at the lowest in six years” and acknowledged “the valuable contribution made by those who came legally to Britain.”
On international affairs, the leaders discussed the need to reopen global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme.
Burnham stressed “how Iran must never have a nuclear weapon”, while noting that the conflict had “clearly impacted the cost of living at home.”
The two leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine and the need to secure lasting peace.
According to the statement, Trump recognised “the strength of the UK’s support for the Ukrainian people since the war began.”
On Diego Garcia, Burnham said he remained committed to “working with all parties to find a solution.”
The leaders also discussed the Falkland Islands, with Burnham stating that “Britain would stand firm in the face of threats.”
The case of British citizen Jimmy Lai also featured in the meeting, with Burnham reiterating “the need for his immediate release.”
The statement said the two leaders “looked forward to speaking again soon.”
