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Burnham issues statement on Ukraine after holding fresh Trump talks
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In Short: Andy Burnham, the new UK Prime Minister, met with French President Emmanuel Macron, focusing on illegal migration and closer ties with Europe.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted French President Emmanuel Macron at Downing Street, marking his first overseas visit since taking office in July. Burnham described Macron as 'our nearest neighbour and close friend,' highlighting the importance of the UK-France relationship.
The pair discussed efforts to reduce small boat crossings in the English Channel, agreeing that progress has been made but more needs to be done. They also talked about 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 industries.
During their meeting, Burnham and Macron also discussed the production of long-range missiles in Ukraine, specifically the establishment of local assembly lines for the Scalp long-range missile, a French version of the UK's Storm Shadow cruise missile. Burnham raised the issue of Israel's construction of settlement homes in the West Bank, calling it 'unacceptable.
Additionally, the leaders discussed Ukraine, with Burnham and Macron emphasizing the need for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life. According to reports, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held encouraging talks in Kyiv following a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
Prime Minister Burnham also spoke with US President Donald Trump on Monday, discussing the need for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Burnham noted the positive signs of growth within the UK's economy during their conversation.
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- "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," Burnham added.
- 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 Trump said Mr Putin is “not looking to attack Nato territory” when pressed over the incident last week.
Sources
- BBClink