Andy Burnham insisted he is 'looking forward' to his first encounter with Donald Trump today - as he defended previous jibes at the US president.

The PM could be face-to-face with Mr Trump in a matter of weeks after revealing he is 'likely' to go to New York for the UN General Assembly session.

But as Manchester Mayor Mr Burnham insisted he would not give the American politician 'the time of day', and suggested he would snub a meeting. 

Challenged over the swipes during a visit to a supermarket in London this morning, Mr Burnham insisted Mr Trump had 'said things as well'.

'Everyone says things as politicians. In the moment you meet people where they're at, and you find a connection with people, and that's always been my style,' he added.

'I've had a habit of saying what I feel over the years and I'll continue to do that.

'But, at the same time, I am somebody who works with people, tries to find common ground, and obviously that's what I should be doing in this job in the British public's interest, and I will always take that approach.

'So, I'm looking forward actually to my first meeting. We had a good phone call on my first day in office and looking forward to meeting in person.'

In an interview with Bloomberg in Ukraine on Monday, Mr Burnham admitted details of his US trip were not yet 'fully confirmed' - with No10 insisting decisions are yet to be taken.

He suggested he would join European leaders in lobbying Mr Trump to give more support to Kyiv.  

The visit would be his first to the US as premier, with all eyes on whether he can forge a bond with the volatile president.

Keir Starmer's initial encounter with Mr Trump was seen as an unexpected success, although relations later soured over his refusal to participate in the Iran war.

World leaders are set to deliver statements at the UN General Assembly between September 22 and 28. 

It is unclear whether Mr Trump is going to attend, or whether Mr Burnham is considering making another stop in Washington.