UK, Canada pledge closer ties on trade, defence, AI

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Prime Minister Andy Burnham attend the League Cup football match between Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers in Liverpool, England, on September 16, 2026 [Paul Cooper/WPA Pool/Getty Images]

The United Kingdom and Canada have discussed strengthening cooperation on trade, defence and artificial intelligence as their prime ministers met in the UK on Wednesday evening.

The British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney before the two leaders watched Everton play in the Carabao Cup, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

“The Prime Minister met Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney this evening, before the two leaders watched their football club Everton play,” the statement said.

The meeting focused on bilateral relations and closer cooperation with European partners, particularly in trade and defence.

“The leaders began by underscoring the close cooperation between the UK and Canada and emphasised the importance of building similar close ties with European partners, particularly on trade and defence,” the British government said.

On defence cooperation, Starmer welcomed Canada becoming the first observer nation in the Global Combat Air Programme, or GCAP, during the summer.

“The Prime Minister welcomed Canada becoming the first observer nation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) this summer,” the statement said.

The leaders also discussed strengthening defence cooperation and “the complementary work of the Multilateral Defence Mechanism and the Defence Security Resilience Bank,” according to the statement.

Artificial intelligence was also on the agenda, with the leaders discussing both the opportunities and challenges associated with the technology.

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“The leaders also discussed the opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence,” the British government said.

Starmer and Carney also agreed that governments and technology companies needed to work together to address concerns arising from AI and protect users online.

The statement said they agreed “on the importance of governments and the technology sector working together to address shared concerns and protect online safety.”

The meeting came as both leaders attended Everton’s Carabao Cup third-round tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton advanced to the fourth round after substitute Charly Alcaraz scored an 80th-minute winner in a 1-0 victory over Wolves.

The victory put Everton into the last 16 of the competition, where they were subsequently drawn at home against Newcastle United. The fourth-round tie is scheduled for the week beginning October 26.

The Everton connection provided a sporting backdrop to the meeting, with the British government describing the club as the football club of both leaders.

Starmer and Carney concluded their discussions by looking ahead to further contact.

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