Andy Burnham's meeting with Donald Trump may hinge on North Sea drilling talks
Mayor Andy Burnham met President Donald Trump, and analysts suggest the discussion could focus on UK oil and gas drilling, a contentious issue for the Labour Party.
Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester, sat down with US President Donald Trump in a meeting that was surprisingly amicable, despite Burnham’s earlier denunciations of the American leader. In a recent episode of the In The Room podcast, former No 10 adviser Cleo Watson argued that the tension between the two may actually work in Burnham’s favor, drawing a parallel to the 2025 encounter between New York mayor Zohran Mamdani and Trump.
Both commentators highlighted that Trump’s repeated calls for increased North Sea oil and gas drilling could become the only realistic point of agreement, especially as the controversial Jackdaw gas field is reportedly near approval. The discussion also saw Trump criticize the Chagos agreement while praising Burnham as a “natural businessman.” However, Watson cautioned that Burnham’s outspoken anti-Trump record and strong ties to his Labour base might limit his flexibility on the issue, a factor that could influence his standing before the party conference. The analysis underscores how unpredictable Trump’s style forces politicians to adapt their strategies quickly.
Why it matters
The meeting could shape UK energy policy and affect Labour's position on drilling ahead of a key conference.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 UK Prime Minister Burnham pushes Brexit reset to safeguard farming and steel
- Sep 19 Trump announced a deal giving the United States permanent control over Greenland’s security, but analysts say it largely repeats the existing 1951 U.S.-Denmark agreement.
- Sep 20 The trilateral security accord is set to be signed next week.
- Sep 20 Labour chair Bridget Phillipson said Andy Burnham’s earlier remarks about Donald Trump are merely politics and should not stop a strong UK-US relationship as the two leaders prepare to meet at the UN General Assembly.
- Sep 20 President Donald Trump will sit down with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday at the mayor’s residence to discuss city issues.
- Sep 21 UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised the agreement and said he will convey congratulations to President Trump and Prime Minister Frederiksen ahead of the UN signing.
- Sep 21 A signing ceremony is set for Tuesday during the UN General Assembly high‑level week.
- Sep 21 Trump’s New York trip now includes a scheduled meeting with Mayor Mamdani at Gracie Mansion during his UNGA visit.
- Sep 21 The agenda now explicitly includes defence drones and AI cooperation alongside broader geopolitical issues.
- Sep 22 U.S. announced intent to establish two additional military sites in southern and eastern Greenland.
- Sep 22 Burnham announced that UK aircraft will provide air‑to‑air refuelling for Saudi fighters in Yemen and said the UK remains committed to seeking a resolution to the Chagos Islands dispute.
- Sep 22 Burnham raised the prospect of an EU re‑entry pledge while unions formally called for abandoning Labour’s Brexit red lines.
- Sep 22 The defence pact was signed at the United Nations General Assembly.
- Sep 23 Trump praised Mayor Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, prompting GOP concerns over anti‑communist messaging.
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