Andy Burnham backtracks over plans to invite Russia to next year's G20 summit in Manchester as PM says Putin WON'T be attending

Published: 07:31 EDT, 5 November 2026 | Updated: 07:31 EDT, 5 November 2026 Andy Burnham has ruled out Vladimir Putin attending next year's G20 summit in Manchester.The Prime Minister is due to host leaders of the world's largest economies in the city where he was previously mayor in November 2027.But he has insisted that Mr Putin, who is sanctioned by the UK following his invasion of Ukraine, won't be among those present. Mr Burnham had previously faced a backlash over plans to invite the Russian tyrant to send a delegation next year despite the continuing conflict.The prospect of a Russian invitation was said to be causing disquiet within Whitehall.But insiders said the Government had no choice as there was no consensus on expelling Russia from the G20.US President Donald Trump has invited Mr Putin to attend this year's G20 summit in Miami next month.Mr Trump's administration has expressed its hope that the Russian tyrant will accept the invitation in order to 'engage' with other world leaders. Andy Burnham has ruled out Russia's Vladimir Putin attending next year's G20 summit in Manchester The Prime Minister is due to host leaders of the world's largest economies in the city where he was previously mayor in November 2027Russia was previously expelled from the G8 - now the G7 - in 2014 in response to its annexation of Crimea.But the country remains a member of the G20 despite continued Western efforts to isolate Mr Putin's regime.Asked whether Mr Putin would be invited to the G20 leaders' summit next November, Mr Burnham told The Economist: 'No. There are sanctions against leading figures in the administration.'And there's some technicalities about invites, because I think they're handled by the G20 rather than by Britain, I think I've got that right.'So, if I maybe rephrase it, technically, but will not be coming because of an outstanding sanction.'A planned 'family photo' at a G20 foreign ministers' meeting in Atlanta last week was cancelled due to European representatives - including Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband - refusing to stand next to Russia's Sergei Lavrov.G20 participants even threatened to walk out of the summit if the photo op went ahead, according to US officials.Mr Miliband is said to have asked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to stage a separate photo just with close allies instead.He had previously been asked by Tory frontbencher Dame Harriett Baldwin if he would shake hands with Mr Lavrov if their paths crossed in Georgia.Mr Miliband replied: 'We do not engage in that way with the Russians and have not for a number of years.'As I have said throughout this session, we are absolutely clear about the need to counter the Russian hybrid threat.'