Burnham Climbs Down On Previous Criticism Of Trump: 'Everyone Says Things As Politicians'

Andy Burnham has rowed back on his past criticisms of Donald Trump ahead of his first meeting with the US president.

The prime minister has previously slammed the Republican leader, saying back in 2021 after rioters stormed the US Capitol that “any UK politician who gave Trump the time of day should be ashamed right now”.

When he was mayor of Greater Manchester, Burnham claimed Trump would not be welcome in the city, blaming his “poisonous” politics.

After winning the Makerfield by-election in June, Burnham called for British voters to turn away from the path that “takes us to a divided, dark politics of the kind we see in the United States”.

But the PM appears to have changed his tune now he is in office and expected to maintain the UK-US’s “special relationship”.

Asked about his past attacks on the president, Burnham told Channel 5 News: “Well, he’s said things as well.”

Trump called Burnham “extremely liberal” in June when it looked like he was on track to replace Keir Starmer, and diminished his past status as regional mayor to “mayor of a town”.

The president has lambasted the UK though, calling it a “dying” and “bankrupt” nations.

He was particularly denigrating towards Starmer, whom he said was “no Winston Churchill” amid their spat over the Iran war.

But Burnham appeared to shrug off these potential divisions, telling reporters that “everyone says things as politicians”.

He added: “In the moment you meet people where they’re at, and you find a connection with people, and that’s always been my style.

“I’ve had a habit of saying what I feel over the years, and I’ll continue to do that.

“But, at the same time, I am somebody who works with people, tries to find common ground, and obviously that’s what I should be doing in this job in the British public’s interest, and I will always take that approach.

“I’m looking forward actually to my first meeting. We had a good phone call on my first day in office and looking forward to meeting in person.”

Burnham is expected to travel to New York next month for the UN General Assembly, where he is likely to meet Trump and lobby for more US support for Ukraine.

The prime minister has insisted he will be focused on the domestic agenda, but also told Bloomberg that he is “looking forward to going to New York in September”.

The UNGA is set to take place from September 22 to 28,  though No.10 says Burnham’s trip is yet to be finalised.

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