UK and Canada leaders meet to discuss AI and defence

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held their first bilateral meeting in Liverpool to strengthen defence, security, and economic ties. The leaders discussed advancing cooperation on frontier technologies, specifically focusing on the safe and responsible development of artificial intelligence and addressing its associated risks.

On the defence front, Canada has formally applied to join the Joint Expeditionary Force. The leaders also explored industrial cooperation through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and discussed modernising the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS).

The meeting also featured a personal connection, as both leaders are supporters of Everton Football Club. Following their discussions, they attended a Carabao Cup match at Everton’s stadium. During the meeting, both leaders wore Alzheimer's Society brooches in recognition of the disease, which had recently claimed the life of Burnham’s father.