UK and Canada discuss AI risks and defence ties in first bilateral meeting

What the report says

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held their first bilateral meeting in Liverpool, where they discussed cooperation on defence and artificial intelligence, according to Al Jazeera’s reporting and a statement from the UK prime minister’s office. The talks were framed as an effort to deepen ties between the two countries while also addressing emerging technology risks.

The UK said the leaders agreed that governments and the technology sector should work together to improve online safety and respond to the dangers posed by AI. The article noted that the discussion followed recent comments from Burnham’s team welcoming more open debate among AI developers about the technology’s risks as well as its benefits.

Al Jazeera said both countries currently lack a dedicated AI law. It said Britain continues to rely on a sector-led, pro-innovation regulatory model, while Canada’s proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act did not advance after parliament was prorogued in January 2025. Canada is instead using privacy rules and a voluntary code for industry.

On defence, the leaders discussed aligning their differing plans for an allied military financing bank, against a broader backdrop of Canadian interest in joining UK-led and Europe-linked defence initiatives. The meeting was capped by the two prime ministers attending a football match together at Everton’s stadium, highlighting a diplomatic engagement that combined policy talks with public symbolism.