Stand up to Trump, campaingers tell Burnham

Prime Minister should ‘end support for Trump’s war and climate vandalism,’ Stop Trump Coalition says

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The meeting in New York on the sidelines of the UN general assembly comes after at least two phone calls between the pair and is expected to primarily focus on the situation in Ukraine and the war on the Middle East.

No 10 has said that the PM intends to use it to “drive forward work on issues that matter to people at home,” including the cost of living and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Mr Burnham has previously called for more air defence support for Ukraine, including the delivery of US Patriot systems.

His predecessor, Sir Keir Starmer, had used a submissive strategy to keep Mr Trump on board the Nato alliance and protect Britain from aggressive trade tariffs.

Mr Burnham has defended Sir Keir’s approach and said when he took office in July: “Obviously the relationship is important to the UK, but not to the point where we just go along with anything they say.”

“It is more important than ever that Britain stands for something,” he added.

But Stop Trump Coalition spokesman Jake Atkinson said that if Mr Burnham wants to deliver on his agenda for working people, he should use the meeting to “mark a clear shift away from continuing Keir Starmer’s strategy of appeasing the US president.”

“Trump’s illegal war on Iran continues to drive up the cost of living for the British public as fuel, energy and food prices rise,” he said.

“Having already granted US aircraft use of UK bases for Trump’s illegal war in Iran, and amid pressure to open up new oil and gas drilling, now is the time for Burnham to draw a line.

“The Prime Minister should instead stand up for ordinary families and future generations by ending support for Trump’s war and climate vandalism, and push for a relationship built on respect for global norms and human rights.”

Mr Atkinson warned that the US president had “shown himself time and again to be an unreliable partner,” adding: “Canadians too know this all too well — but they have also shown that the answer is to stand up for your values and work with others, rather than capitulate.”

Chancellor John Healey is facing pressure to raise taxes or cut spending at next month’s Budget, as soaring borrowing costs because of the war and weaker growth have wiped nearly £12 billion off the government’s fiscal headroom, according to the KPMG economic outlook.

This is down from £23.6bn at the time of the spring forecast, with the group warning that restoration of the sum could require tax rises or spending reductions.

“With the government committed to not increasing taxes on working people, the Chancellor may need to consider other tax measures,” it said.

Reports also suggest Mr Healey will set out how to fill a funding hole in Britain’s defence investment plan.

Campaigners have frequently criticised increased defence spending at a time when households are struggling to make ends meet.

Stop the War convener Lindsey German said: “Trump’s illegal war on Iran is having a disastrous impact on the world economy, with rapidly rising oil and diesel prices impacting the cost of food and other goods across the US and Europe, the consequences of which will be felt most by working-class people.

“So instead of considering helping Saudi Arabia against the Houthis, and keeping on arming Ukraine rather than calling for a ceasefire and negotiations, Burnham should use this meeting to demonstrate active opposition to wars which are bringing so much misery to so many.”

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