Andy Burnham invites Donald Trump to Manchester for the 2027 G20 summit in one of his first calls as prime minister. The conversation took place minutes after he entered Downing Street on Monday.
A Downing Street spokesperson said Mr Burnham “hoped that he would be able to show the president what Manchester had to offer during a visit in the future.” The invitation was extended during a wider discussion on trade and energy.
The call sets the tone for a relationship that could be tricky. Trump previously dismissed Burnham as “the mayor of a town” and called him “extremely liberal, extremely.”
First Call And G20 Plans
Mr Burnham congratulated Trump on a “successful World Cup” and agreed England had an excellent tournament. The two leaders then moved to bilateral issues.
The G20 summit is expected in Manchester in 2027. The decision to host was taken under Sir Keir Starmer, but Burnham is keen to showcase the city he led for years.
“Set out his vision as prime minister” and “underlined his commitment to defence and security,” the spokesperson said about the call. Manchester as host city gives Burnham a personal platform.
White House sources offered no details. But the symbolism is clear. A new Labour PM wants early engagement with Washington, even with ideological differences.
Energy And North Sea On Agenda
Oil, Gas, And Trump’s Praise
North Sea drilling dominated the backdrop. Trump posted over the weekend that Aberdeen would be “dancing in the streets” if Burnham opened oil fields “all the way.”
“The People of Aberdeen, in Scotland, are dancing in the streets because the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has stated that he will be opening up, all the way, the invaluable North Sea Oil!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Burnham previously pledged to stick to Labour’s manifesto on no new licences. But he has refused to rule out new production, creating room for speculation.
Trump, a vocal fossil fuel supporter, said the move would stop Britain becoming a “poverty stricken disaster.” He has repeatedly dismissed climate science in favour of energy expansion.
The pair are understood to have discussed drilling during the call. No commitments were announced, but the topic is now firmly on the UK-US agenda.
World Leaders React
Burnham received congratulations throughout Monday. EU leaders used the moment to push for closer ties post-Brexit.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen posted: “Congratulations, dear Andy Burnham, on your confirmation as Prime Minister. I look forward to working with you to strengthen the EU-UK partnership. For the security of our shared continent. And the prosperity of people on both sides of the Channel.”
European Council President Antonio Costa added: “In the last two years EU-UK relations gained a new, positive momentum. I look forward to continuing to further deepen our co-operation for the benefit of our citizens and businesses. The United Kingdom and the European Union are stronger together.”
Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky said Britain “has always been one of the global leaders.” He praised UK support and said he looked forward to speaking with Burnham later in the day.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and Germany’s Friedrich Merz all sent messages. The theme was continuity and cooperation.
What Burnham Gains
Inviting Trump to Manchester is smart politics. It ties a global event to Burnham’s political home and shows he can manage a complex US relationship.
It also buys goodwill. Trump respects shows of deference and city-level pride. A Manchester visit lets Burnham frame the narrative on his terms.
On energy, Burnham is walking a tightrope. Labour voters want climate action. Swing voters want lower bills. Hinting at North Sea flexibility could bridge that gap.
Trump’s public praise gives Burnham leverage. If drilling goes ahead, he can claim US backing. If not, he can say he stood firm.
Risks In The Relationship
Trump’s “mayor of a town” comment shows the challenge. He views Burnham through a local lens, not a global one.
Burnham will need to assert authority quickly. Five prime ministers in four years has weakened Britain’s standing in Washington.
North Sea policy is the flashpoint. Environmental groups will oppose any U-turn. Industry and Scotland will push for more.
The G20 visit could also become a protest magnet. Manchester has a strong activist base, and Trump remains divisive in the UK.
Defence And Security Mentioned
The Downing Street readout highlighted defence. That suggests Ukraine, NATO, and the Strait of Hormuz were discussed alongside trade.
Macron referenced joint work with Starmer on Ukraine and maritime security. Burnham will want to show he can carry that forward.
With the US focused on Iran and the Middle East, UK support matters. Burnham’s call for “commitment to defence” signals alignment, for now.
Economic Stakes
A US-UK trade deal remains elusive. Trump’s tariffs and Burnham’s industrial policy could clash or align depending on sectors.
Energy is the immediate test. If Burnham approves new licences, US firms could benefit. If he doesn’t, Trump may criticise publicly.
The 30-day window before any policy change gives both sides time. Expect negotiators to work behind the scenes before the G20.
What Happens Next
Burnham’s team will now plan the Manchester summit. Logistics, security, and optics will be key for a PM still settling in.
Trump will decide whether to accept. A visit would be a win for Burnham and for Manchester’s profile.
On North Sea oil, clarity is needed. Voters want to know if manifesto pledges stand or if pragmatism wins.
Read also: Trump 50% tariff on Canada sparks fears of new trade war and higher prices
For now, the message is engagement. Burnham invited Trump, praised the World Cup, and talked security.
It’s a cautious start. But with Trump, cautious rarely stays that way for long. The next few months will define whether this partnership works.
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