British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney have used their first bilateral meeting to discuss artificial intelligence risks, defence cooperation and joint initiatives in Liverpool.
The talks were followed by an evening watching a football match together at Everton’s stadium. The British Prime Minister’s Office said the leaders agreed that governments and technology companies must work together to improve online safety and address the risks posed by AI.
UK and Canada discuss artificial intelligence risks
The meeting came days after Burnham’s spokesperson welcomed increased discussion among AI companies about the dangers associated with the technology, alongside its potential benefits.
“It’s a good thing that the companies developing the most advanced AI systems are now talking openly about the risks as well as the opportunities,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that policy decisions should be “grounded in evidence rather than speculation”, while warning that existing regulatory frameworks might not remain adequate as AI capabilities develop.
Neither the UK nor Canada currently has a dedicated law governing artificial intelligence. Britain has pursued a “pro-innovation”, sector-led approach since publishing a policy paper in March 2023, leaving individual regulators to oversee AI within their areas rather than introducing standalone legislation.
Canada’s Artificial Intelligence and Data Act lapsed after parliament was prorogued in January 2025, which cancelled pending legislation. The proposal has not been revived, and the Canadian government currently relies on privacy law and a voluntary industry code.
Defence cooperation also on the agenda
Defence discussions focused on attempts to reconcile competing British and Canadian plans for an allied military financing bank.
The talks took place as Canada applies to join the UK-led Joint Expeditionary Force and participates as an observer in the Global Combat Air Programme. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also proposed Canada becoming the European Union’s first associate member, as Ottawa seeks closer relations with Europe amid trade tensions with the United States.
