UK, Canada deepen trade, defence, AI cooperation

Britain and Canada have agreed to deepen cooperation on trade, defence and artificial intelligence as Prime Ministers Andy Burnham and Mark Carney held talks in Liverpool on Wednesday.

The leaders met at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium before watching their club’s Carabao Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, using the informal setting to discuss a range of bilateral and international issues.

The talks focused on strengthening the longstanding UK-Canada relationship and building closer links with European partners, particularly in trade and defence.

On defence, Burnham welcomed Canada’s decision to become the first observer nation in the Global Combat Air Programme, or GCAP, in July. The two leaders also discussed cooperation through the Multilateral Defence Mechanism and the Defence Security Resilience Bank.

Carney also announced that Canada had formally applied to join the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force, a move aimed at expanding military cooperation between Canada and European partners.

Economic cooperation was another focus of the meeting, with both leaders underscoring the importance of strengthening trade and investment ties. Britain and Canada are also working towards an upgraded free-trade agreement, while UK traders gained access to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which includes Canada, from September 1.

Artificial intelligence featured prominently in the discussions, with the leaders examining both its opportunities and potential risks.

They agreed that governments and technology companies should work together to promote the safe and responsible development of AI, address shared concerns and strengthen online safety.

The meeting also provided a sporting backdrop to the diplomatic discussions. Burnham and Carney watched Everton defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0, with substitute Charly Alcaraz scoring the decisive goal in the 80th minute.

The result sent Everton into the fourth round of the competition, where the club was drawn to face Newcastle United.

The two prime ministers agreed to remain in close contact as they pursue further cooperation on trade, defence, technology and other areas of mutual interest.