US President Donald Trump has declared he can do business with UK leader Andy Burnham, following their first in-person meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Trump stated that UK-US relations have improved with Burnham in power.

Burnham described establishing a good connection with Trump, with discussions covering trade and immigration. However, Trump voiced strong opposition to the United Kingdom's agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and lease back a joint UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said he believes Burnham is a natural businessperson and understands what needs to be done. Burnham echoed the sentiment of a positive connection, noting that they had furthered their early discussions. The UK leader later stated that Britain has experienced too much turbulence and needs to shift towards a positive narrative, a sentiment Trump agreed with, calling the UK a country with great patriotism awaiting good leadership.

Trump reiterated his criticism of the Chagos Islands deal, emphasizing the strategic importance of the joint military base on Diego Garcia, particularly for US operations in Iran. The agreement, which involves the UK ceding sovereignty to Mauritius and paying approximately £101 million ($136 million) annually to lease the base, was paused indefinitely in April after Trump withdrew his support.

Burnham acknowledged inheriting the situation and the need for a resolution. He stressed the critical importance of safeguarding the future of the base for both UK and US security interests. He assured that the UK would work to find a resolution with all parties involved.

The meeting occurred on Tuesday, with both leaders attending the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations. Following their bilateral talks, Burnham sat alongside Trump, expressing that their connection had been further developed during their discussions.

This development follows a period of strained relations between the former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Trump, particularly after Starmer reportedly refused to permit the use of UK bases for initial US-Israel strikes on Iran earlier this year.

When asked by broadcasters if the Chagos deal was dead, Burnham indicated that the UK would work diligently to find a resolution with US partners, expressing confidence in their ability to achieve it.