Burnham plans to discuss Patriot systems for Ukraine with Trump — The Japan Times
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham is due to meet with US President Donald Trump this week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Burnham’s priority in these talks is to persuade Trump to release stocks of missiles for Patriot air defense systems so that they can be transferred to Ukraine before winter, The Japan Times reports, citing people familiar with the matter.
According to the publication’s sources, the British prime minister also plans to discuss with the US president how Europe can help reduce the consequences of destabilization in the Middle East. The sources spoke anonymously because of the sensitivity of relations with the United States and preparations for the British budget.
Patriot systems for Ukraine
As the publication writes, Burnham’s aides are concerned that the US president’s actions could lead to higher energy bills, inflation and interest rates in the UK this winter. In their view, this threatens the new prime minister’s key promise to reduce the cost of living.
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The expected meeting between Trump and Burnham will take place amid the economic consequences of the conflict in the Middle East. According to a source, the war between the United States and Iran has pushed oil prices to nearly $110 per barrel and triggered a sell-off in global bond markets.
Budget concerns
Burnham’s team is increasingly worried that Chancellor of the Exchequer John Healey’s first budget, scheduled for October 28, will be more difficult than previously expected. The prime minister said the government would have to make difficult decisions to keep the economy on the right track.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey, according to the publication, warned that the regulator could raise rates if the conflict between the United States and Iran continues. Bloomberg Economics also forecast a possible 25% increase in British household energy bills in winter.
