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Burnham and Trump hold new talks over Ukraine
Confirmed
In Short: Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, met with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on Ukraine and illegal migration.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted his first overseas leader, French President Emmanuel Macron, at Downing Street, where they discussed efforts to reduce illegal migration and strengthen ties with Europe. Burnham highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, 'It shows what collaboration can achieve, just as we are also showing on Ukraine, on small boats, and also on strengthening the UK-EU relationship.
The meeting also covered the UK's drive to get closer to Europe, with Burnham raising concerns about the Made in Europe procurement plan, which he believes could impact British sectors. They also discussed establishing local assembly lines in Ukraine for the Scalp long-range missile, a French version of the UK's Storm Shadow cruise missile.
Earlier in the week, Burnham spoke to US President Donald Trump, agreeing on the need to continue working towards a ceasefire in Ukraine. The call came after US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held encouraging talks in Kyiv and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Trump noted that Putin is 'not looking to attack Nato territory' when pressed over the incident last week.
Ukraine has recently hit logistics hubs belonging to online retailer Wildberries UK, prompting Burnham to reaffirm Britain's support for Ukraine. Burnham stated, 'London will continue to support Ukraine 100%,' after Moscow warned of "consequences" following confirmation that British-made drones were used in recent Ukrainian strikes in Russia.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Burnham said it was "so fitting" that Macron was his first overseas visitor since becoming PM in July, describing him as "our nearest neighbour and close friend Emmanuel".
- In bilateral talks on Thursday, No 10 said Burnham and Macron agreed they were making headway in reducing small boat crossings in the English Channel but now needed to go further.
- Burnham has previously called for closer ties with Europe, as had his predecessor Sir Keir Starmer.
- The arrival of the first foreign leader under the Burnham premiership is an important symbolic moment - it shows the relationship with Paris is an important priority.
- France and the UK have been working extremely closely on Ukraine and Iran, trying to jointly influence the White House.
- And Burnham raised Israel's move to open up tenders for the construction of settlement homes in a strategically important part of the occupied West Bank, saying it was "unacceptable and only served to undermine the prospect of the two-state solution".
- Mr Burnham began the call by wishing Mr Trump a happy Labour Day and congratulated him on recent US employment statistics.
- “(Mr Burnham) noted the positive signs of growth within the UK’s own economy,” the Downing Street spokesperson added.