Sir Conor Burns is a leading authority on the politics of international trade as well as the Transatlantic relationship. During a 14 year stint in the House of Commons he served in roles in Treasury, Business and Energy before being Parliamentary Private Secretary to Boris Johnson. In 2019 he became... Read more
Sir Conor Burns is a leading authority on the politics of international trade as well as the Transatlantic relationship.
During a 14 year stint in the House of Commons he served in roles in Treasury, Business and Energy before being Parliamentary Private Secretary to Boris Johnson. In 2019 he became the UK Minister for Trade Policy traveling the globe to develop the UK’s trade ambitions post-Brexit. Additionally, he was Minister of State for Northern Ireland – only the 2nd Minister to be born there. Having been educated by American Brothers of the Sacred Heart in St Albans he has a deep affection for the US. This and him being both a Catholic and a supporter of the Union led him to be appointed as the UK’s Special Representative to the United States in 2022.
Sir Conor delivers insightful analysis of the complex world of trade and diplomatic relations from a perspective of hands on experience as well as a fund of amusing anecdotes and stories from his time being close to some of the most fascinating figures in politics over the last 50 years.
His most recent role was as the Prime Minister’s Envoy to the US for Trade and Investment. In this role he was tasked with negotiating the State-level MOUs on Trade and Investment. He successfully concluded agreements with Florida and Texas. Governor Abbott commissioned him as an Honary Texan for his work.
Sir Conor chairs the Margaret Thatcher Centre – a UK and US charity – which was set up with Lady Thatcher’s endorsement. He spent most Sunday evenings with her at her Chester Square home in her later years. His tribute in the House of Commons after her death was described by the Telegraph as ‘both the warmest and funniest speaker of the day”.
Sir Conor was knighted in 2023 by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle. He was sworn of the Privy Council by Queen Elizabeth in 2019. He is based in London and in Dallas, Texas.