British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has told United States President Donald Trump that Iran must never have a nuclear weapon, while reiterating Britain’s demand for the immediate release of British citizen Jimmy Lai.

Burnham met Trump at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, and published on Wednesday.

Turning to international affairs, Burnham and Trump discussed the importance of reopening global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear programme.

The Prime Minister stressed “how Iran must never have a nuclear weapon,” while noting that the conflict had “clearly impacted the cost of living at home.”

The leaders also discussed the war in Ukraine and the need to secure a lasting peace.

According to the statement, Trump recognised “the strength of the UK’s support for the Ukrainian people since the war began.”

On Diego Garcia, Burnham said he was committed to “working with all parties to find a solution.”

The leaders also discussed the Falkland Islands, with Burnham setting out that “Britain would stand firm in the face of threats.”

The meeting further addressed the case of British citizen Jimmy Lai, with Burnham reiterating “the need for his immediate release.”

The leaders, the statement said, “looked forward to speaking again soon.”