Prime Minister Andy Burnham and US President Donald Trump have agreed on the need to continue working towards a ceasefire in Ukraine, with the Prime Minister reiterating UK support for recent US-led peace negotiations.
The two leaders spoke by telephone on Monday afternoon, with Ukraine, the Middle East and the economy among the issues discussed.
According to an official Downing Street readout, Burnham reaffirmed Britain's continuing support for Ukraine while also backing Washington's recent diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
Burnham backs US-led Ukraine negotiations
Downing Street said Burnham and Trump agreed on the need to continue working towards a ceasefire that would prevent further loss of life.
The official readout added that the Prime Minister reiterated the UK's support for Ukraine and for recent US-led peace negotiations.
No further details were provided about the diplomatic process discussed by the two leaders, and Downing Street did not announce any change to Britain's military or financial support for Ukraine.
The statement nevertheless underlines Burnham's support for continued US involvement in efforts to secure an end to the war while maintaining the UK's backing for Kyiv.
Iran and Strait of Hormuz also discussed
The Prime Minister and President also discussed the wider Middle East.
Burnham set out the UK's commitment to working towards peace and security across the region and stressed the importance of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
He also highlighted the need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated the UK's position that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon.
The Strait has remained a major focus of British foreign policy because of its importance to global energy supplies and international shipping.
UK continues push for regional stability
The discussion follows a series of diplomatic interventions by the Government aimed at supporting de-escalation in the Middle East and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Burnham has also continued to stress Britain's support for a two-state solution and for diplomatic efforts designed to prevent further regional escalation.
Monday's call did not produce a new announcement on sanctions, military deployments or other concrete measures relating to Iran or the wider Middle East.
Economy discussed during call
Burnham and Trump also discussed their respective domestic economies.
The Prime Minister congratulated the President on the latest US employment figures and pointed to what Downing Street described as positive signs of growth in the UK economy.
Burnham said the Government was building greater positivity around Britain and making progress, while acknowledging that there remained more to do.
Leaders expect further talks
The call comes less than two months after Burnham and Trump spoke shortly after the Prime Minister entered Downing Street.
During that earlier conversation, the two leaders discussed defence, security, industrial policy and the situation in the Middle East.
Monday's readout said Burnham and Trump looked forward to speaking again soon.