Burnham tells Trump Iran must never have nuclear weapon

Andy Burnham gestures after being confirmed as the Labour Party's new leader and the country's next prime minister, during 'Labour’s Special Conference' in central London on July 17, 2026. (Photo by Henry Nicholls / POOL / AFP)

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told United States President Donald Trump that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon, while reiterating Britain’s demand for the immediate release of British citizen Jimmy Lai.

Burnham met Trump at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, and published on Wednesday.

The meeting covered UK-US relations, trade, migration and several international issues, including the Strait of Hormuz, Iran, the war in Ukraine, Diego Garcia, the Falkland Islands and the case of Lai.

The leaders began by emphasising “the value of the closeness of the relationship between the UK and the US,” while noting their “warm and constructive phone calls” since Burnham became prime minister.

On trade, they welcomed its importance to both countries, with Burnham noting that existing agreements had brought “clear benefits to British people back home.”

He said he was committed to “making Britain feel good about itself again,” through “setting a clear direction and reindustrialisation,” and making sure it was “a draw-a-line moment for the country.”

The two leaders also discussed migration, with Burnham highlighting what the statement described as a decline in both small-boat crossings and net migration.

Burnham said summer small-boat crossings were “at the lowest in six years” and that net migration was also down, while acknowledging “the valuable contribution made by those who came legally to Britain.”

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Turning to international affairs, Burnham and Trump discussed the importance of reopening global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme.

The Prime Minister stressed “how Iran must never have a nuclear weapon,” while noting that the conflict had “clearly impacted the cost of living at home.”

The leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine and the need to secure a lasting peace.

According to the statement, Trump recognised “the strength of the UK’s support for the Ukrainian people since the war began.”

On Diego Garcia, Burnham said he was committed to “working with all parties to find a solution.”

The leaders also discussed the Falkland Islands, with Burnham setting out that “Britain would stand firm in the face of threats.”

The meeting further addressed the case of British citizen Jimmy Lai, with Burnham reiterating “the need for his immediate release.”

The leaders, the statement said, “looked forward to speaking again soon.”