Cabinet Minister: Past Criticism of Trump Won't Hinder UK Prime Minister's Relationship

Cabinet minister Bridget Phillipson has stated that past criticisms made by the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, regarding Donald Trump will not prevent the two leaders from establishing a strong working relationship. The Prime Minister is scheduled to have his first in-person meeting with the US President on Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Burnham, prior to becoming Prime Minister, had been a vocal critic of Trump. In 2019, Burnham stated that many British communities would be "deeply unsettled" by Trump's planned state visit to the UK and suggested he would not welcome the then-US President to Manchester, calling him "highly divisive" and likely to cause protests.

In January 2021, following the attack on the US Capitol, Burnham posted on Twitter that UK politicians who engaged with Trump should be "ashamed."

Phillipson, speaking to Sky News ahead of the meeting, characterized these past remarks as "politics" and stated that such expressions of differing views are common and do not preclude a strong relationship. "The President knows that. This is not far from unique. People will express views at different points on different topics. And that's no bar to having a strong relationship," she said.

Phillipson emphasized the crucial nature of the US alliance for intelligence sharing and defense cooperation, particularly in contexts like support for Ukraine. She added that while political outlooks may differ, the enduring relationship between the UK and the US transcends individual leaders and political differences.

"What matters most is the British national interest. And that's what Andy Burnham will deliver for our country," Phillipson asserted.

During his successful bid to become Prime Minister in June, Trump described Burnham as "extremely liberal." Burnham, in turn, indicated a willingness to disagree with Trump but aimed to "meet him where he's at" while "respecting the office."

Burnham spoke with Trump by phone on his first day as Prime Minister, extending an invitation for the US President to visit Manchester for the G20 summit next year.