UK not 'on the slide' is the message Andy Burnham will deliver to the United Nations as he gears up for his first meeting with Donald Trump. The Mayor of Greater Manchester is in New York to attend the UN General Assembly and will use his platform to promote the UK as a key player on the global stage.
Burnham's Diplomatic Mission
Burnham's trip comes amid heightened tensions between the UK and the US, particularly following Trump's recent derogatory remarks about Burnham, calling him "the mayor of a town." However, Burnham is keen to move past personal jibes and focus on strengthening transatlantic ties.
Past Criticisms and Moving Forward
Burnham has a history of criticising Trump, from refusing to meet him in 2017 over "hateful, extremist material" to accusing him of bringing "instability to the world" last year. But now, Burnham says it's time to "move on" and have a laugh about it. He revealed that in their first phone call, he told Trump: "Mr President, Manchester isn't 'some town'. I said 'this is Manchester'."
Key Takeaways for UK-US Relations
- Diplomatic reset: Burnham's meeting with Trump signals a willingness to engage despite past differences.
- Economic focus: Burnham is expected to highlight Manchester's role in UK trade and investment.
- UN address: Burnham will tell the UN that the UK is not 'on the slide' but a dynamic economy.
UK's Global Standing: A Comparison
Burnham's message to the UN comes as the UK seeks to redefine its post-Brexit role. Here's how the UK compares to other major economies:
| Country | GDP (2024 est.) | Global Influence Rank |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $28.7 trillion | 1 |
| China | $18.5 trillion | 2 |
| Germany | $4.6 trillion | 4 |
| United Kingdom | $3.5 trillion | 5 |
What This Means for Manchester
Burnham is expected to use his UN speech to champion Manchester as a hub for innovation and trade. He will argue that the UK, and particularly the North of England, is open for business and ready to collaborate on global challenges.

FAQ
Why is Andy Burnham meeting Donald Trump?
Burnham is meeting Trump to discuss UK-US relations and promote Manchester as a key economic partner. The meeting is part of Burnham's broader diplomatic efforts at the UN General Assembly.
What did Burnham say about Trump in the past?
Burnham previously criticised Trump for posting "hateful, extremist material" and accused him of bringing "instability to the world." However, he now says it's time to move on.
What is Burnham's message to the UN?
Burnham will tell the UN that the UK is not 'on the slide' and that it remains a vital global player. He will highlight Manchester's contributions to innovation and trade.
As Burnham navigates this diplomatic tightrope, his ability to balance past criticisms with current pragmatism will be closely watched. For now, he is focused on the moment and ensuring the UK's voice is heard loud and clear at the UN.
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