Key facts
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham agreed to Saudi Arabia's request for temporary defensive air-to-air refuelling support.
- UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham met with US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
- Burnham told Trump the UK will defend the Falkland Islanders' right to self-determination.
- US President Donald Trump is reviewing the United States' neutral position on the Falkland Islands.
- Donald Trump praised Burnham as a "natural business person" and a patriot.
- Trump criticized the UK's deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has agreed to Saudi Arabia's request for temporary defensive air-to-air refuelling support, according to reports. The terms and duration of this support were not detailed.
Burnham also met with US President Donald Trump in New York, where Trump praised Burnham as a "natural business person" and a patriot. However, Trump criticized a recent UK deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, suggesting Burnham might reconsider it. Trump also stated that US-UK relations were better under Burnham than his predecessor, Keir Starmer.
During the meeting, Burnham also set out the UK's position on the Falkland Islands, affirming that Britain would stand firm against any threats and defend the islanders' right to self-determination. Trump indicated he was reviewing the United States' previously neutral stance on the islands. Earlier in August, Argentine President Javier Milei had stated he would sanction oil companies operating in the Falklands.
Burnham also discussed the disputed Diego Garcia base status with Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam, pledging to find a resolution.