Andy Burnham at the UN: Five key points from Prime Minister's first major international speech

On his first major diplomatic trip since moving into Downing Street, Mr Burnham also held meetings with high-profile figures, including US President Donald Trump.

Mr Burnham used the speech to discuss Russian disinformation, the future of AI, and a new national security deal with the US.

Here are the biggest takeaways from the speech.

Russian disinformation

Andy Burnham launched an attack on Russian interference within the UK in his speech, saying it spends £1.3 billion annually on “manipulating information.”

He added: “Russian agencies have used every means at their disposal to spread lies and disinformation and prey on people’s fear.

“They’ve used bots and fake websites. Falsified newspaper articles. Forged the branding of 28 British organisations - including universities and the BBC. They’ve amplified far-right narratives.

"We're talking about an insidious campaign that reaches into people's homes and twists what they feel about their own country and community – creating a narrative of decline, stoking division and sowing despair.”

Andy Burnham speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly

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He said: “If you’re struggling with the cost of living and your life is not improving – or if you’re a young person not in employment, education or training – then you are going to be much more vulnerable to this kind of influence.”

Mr Burnham also claimed to have evidence that Russia tried to interfere with the 2019 General Election.

He used the speech to announce a new National Centre for Information Defence to fight Russian disinformation.

The new centre will work alongside intelligence agencies, government departments, the police and social media companies.

AI

In his speech, Mr Burnham said he wants the UK to lead the world in developing a set of rules to prevent the spread of rogue artificial intelligence.

He described the most advanced "Frontier AI" as "one of the most significant challenges and opportunities of our age", but told leaders that AI would be "key to economic growth".

The Prime Minister added: "We've all heard the warnings - which we must heed. I know how worried people are. So we have to rise to this moment."

He acknowledged that AI had huge potential in healthcare, economic growth, transforming education and in defence - but that it would also be a source of disruption to jobs, and that warnings from industry insiders about AI’s potential to pose a risk to humanity must be heeded.

He highlighted the UK's "world-leading" AI Security Institute, established under Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and pledged to put AI at the heart of the UK's G20 Presidency next year in Manchester.

Mr Burnham said the UK would work towards agreeing a set of global principles and standards to ensure transparency, access to AI models, and that development happens safely.

New national security deal with the US

Mr Burnham announced a new national security deal with the US while discussing fears regarding AI.

He said: “I am announcing today that we are developing a new AI defence partnership with the United States to protect our critical national infrastructure.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham met US President Donald Trump for their first face-to-face talks at the UN in New York

PA Wire

It came just hours after first meeting US President Donald Trump for the first time since becoming PM.

The Prime Minister said the meeting was “excellent”, while Mr Trump said that Mr Burnham was a “man he could do business with”.

‘Decade-long plan’

Mr Burnham confirmed that his government will unveil a new decade-long plan for the country later this year.

The plan will focus on getting more people into work, especially young people, as well as easing the cost-of-living crisis for most people,

The Prime Minister did not announce any specific measures during the speech.

Middle East

Mr Burnham renewed calls for a two-state solution in Gaza during his speech at the United Nations.

He condemned Hamas’ 2023 attack on Israel as “utterly horrific”, but also criticised Israel’s response in the years since.

He said: “Far too many people have died, including so many children. Far too little aid is getting in, and it has gone on for far too long.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham delivers a speech at the United Nations General Assembly

PA

He said the two-state solution must “stay alive”, adding: “We want to see the suffering and death finally come to an end.

“We want to see Israeli and Palestinian people living side by side in peace and security. And we will do all we can to keep the hope of that possibility alive.”

Mr Burnham concluded his speech by saying: “You can count on us to stand up for those long standing British values of fairness and justice.

“Count on us to fight racism, discrimination and the abuse of power wherever we see it. Count on us to bring people together.

“Count on us to meet fear and division with unity and hope.”