- Donald Trump hailed Andy Burnham as “a great prime minister” and praised the UK ’s “great patriotism” as the pair met face-to-face for the first time.
- Mr Trump added that the US - UK relationship is “more up” now that Mr Burnham is in post compared to when Sir Keir Starmer held the role. Meanwhile, Mr Burnham said he and Mr Trump “established a good connection in our early discussions and we’ve taken that further today”.
- Mr Trump said: “It's an honour to be with the prime minister, a great election win. I think he’s going to be a great prime minister … we’re with you all the way.” He added that Mr Burnham was “a natural businessman”.
- Speaking about the UK, Mr Trump added: “This is a country with great patriotism” and it was just “waiting for success”.
- However, Mr rump told Mr Burnham the UK’s agreement with Mauritius to hand over the Chagos Islands was a “terrible deal” and “ridiculous”.
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