UK PM meets Norwegian counterpart Store for talks on European security
Andy Burnham met Norwegian counterpart Jonas Store for talks on European security while in Liverpool for the Labour Party conference.
The two leaders held a formal meeting before Store became the international guest speaker at the Labour gathering.
The football-loving Prime Minister joked that Norway's close ties with the UK included Manchester City's star striker Erling Haaland.
Store referenced football in his conference speech. Prompting laughter from the audience, he said: "Relations between Norway and England have been slightly strained since July – you did knock us out of the World Cup."
"We may win or lose in football. On everything else, I'm … very glad that we are on the same side", he added.
At the pair's meeting, Burnham said the two countries had a "warm friendship that goes back for so many years", but now faced "new challenges" together.
"We will talk about our common challenges in relation to defence and security," Burnham said.
"We are collaborating on defence investment and that is very beneficial both for our security needs, but for industry in Norway and here in the UK."
Burnham added: "Perhaps the biggest investment you've made in our country in recent times is Haaland, and we're very grateful for him, to get the chance to see what he does."
Store, leader of the Norwegian Labour Party, said: "It's worthwhile recalling what Norway and Britain meant to each other during the Second World War, because it really demonstrates a long-lasting relationship given by geography, by history, and by shared values."
He said European security was among "the most important issues of our time".
He added: "There is war on our continent, and we who share geography here in the north, we have to simply appreciate that our fates are so linked and we are really acting on that.
"The biggest purchase ever by defence in Norway will be the frigates we will buy from the UK, which is more than the purchase. It's an integration of our naval forces. And as a former naval officer, I am proud to see that happen because I think it will be a real backbone for our own security."
The two leaders met in the Royal Liver Building and admired the view from the roof of the Liverpool waterfront landmark.
Everton fan Burnham could be seen pointing in the direction of his team's Hill Dickinson Stadium, which was clearly visible from the roof.
Store praised Burnham's work on devolution and his bid to give people "breathing space" during the cost-of-living crisis, adding he was "proud to be here in the North".
By David Hughes and Rhiannon James, Press Association
Press Association: News
source: PA
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