Prime Minister Andy Burnham is heading to New York on Monday for the United Nations General Assembly. This trip marks his first foray into global diplomacy and includes a first-time meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday.
The meeting is considered the most high-stakes of Burnham's time in office. A former mayor of Greater Manchester with limited experience in foreign affairs, Burnham had previously stated that Trump was not welcome in his city and that he would refuse to meet him.
Despite this history, Burnham is looking to build a rapport with the President. He has vowed to press British interests, even in instances where they may be at odds with those of President Trump.
During his visit, the Prime Minister plans to discuss methods to bolster Ukraine's defenses. He also intends to address fuel prices, which have soared following a US-Israeli war with Iran that blocked ships from moving freely through the Strait of Hormuz.