Prime Minister Andy Burnham has said Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend the G20 summit being hosted by Britain in 2027, citing existing UK sanctions against the Russian leader. Speaking in an interview with The Economist, reported on Thursday 5 November, Burnham ruled out Putin’s attendance at the international gathering scheduled for Manchester next November. Russia remains a member of the G20, however, and the Prime Minister acknowledged complications surrounding invitations.
Burnham cites sanctions against Russian president
Asked whether Putin would be invited, Burnham initially answered: “No.” He subsequently explained that Russia’s G20 membership created technical complications, but said the Russian leader would not attend because of an outstanding UK sanction. Britain has maintained sanctions against Putin since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Downing Street did not provide further clarification to Reuters. No formal summit guest list has been published.
Britain and United States take different approaches
The British position contrasts with that of the United States, which is hosting a G20 summit in Miami in December 2026. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in September that Washington had invited Putin, describing it as an opportunity for engagement with President Donald Trump and other leaders. It remains uncertain whether Putin will attend. The differing approaches reflect debate over diplomatic engagement with Moscow while Russia’s war against Ukraine continues.
Russia remains a member of the G20
Russia has not been suspended or expelled from the G20, which brings together major advanced and emerging economies. Host countries traditionally invite representatives of member states. Burnham’s statement about Putin’s personal attendance therefore does not amount to Russia losing its membership or necessarily prevent representation by another Russian official. The Government has not confirmed arrangements for Russian participation in Manchester.
Manchester to host international leaders in November 2027
Britain will hold the G20 presidency in 2027, with the leaders’ summit scheduled for Manchester on 27 and 28 November. Burnham, who previously served as Mayor of Greater Manchester, has emphasised the opportunity to host a major international gathering outside London. He has also expressed hope that Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend, describing opportunities for economic cooperation and discussions about artificial intelligence.
Government seeks international agreement on AI
Burnham identified international standards for artificial intelligence as a possible priority of Britain’s G20 presidency. He acknowledged that securing agreement between the United States and China would be challenging and praised former Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for establishing Britain’s AI Security Institute in 2023. No comprehensive G20 agreement on AI regulation has been announced.
What happens next?
Further details about the UK’s presidency, invitations and participating delegations are expected before the November 2027 summit. For now, Burnham’s stated position is that Putin will not attend because of UK sanctions. The precise arrangements for any Russian representation remain unconfirmed.