Key Points:
- In November 2025, prime minister at the time, Keir Starmer announced that the UK will host the G20 Summit in 2027
- More recently, Andy Burnham has confirmed that Manchester has been chosen as the host, making G20 the largest summit ever hosted in the city
- This decision was reportedly made following Andy’s succession as prime minister where he even took the chance to personally invite US president Donald Trump to the summit during their first call
What is the G20 Summit?
The G20 (or ‘Group of 20’) summit is an annual gathering of the world’s leading countries consisting of 19 individual countries, the EU and the African Union. The countries apart of ‘Group of 20’ represent around 85% of global GDP and two thirds of the world population. Leaders representing said countries meet to discuss and coordinate global policy ranging from the economy, global crises and future developments.
The G20 was established in 1999 with the goal of promoting international financial stability after the financial crisis of the late 1990’s. Since, leaders have made major changes to global economic policy from increases to funding to struggling countries in 2009 to deciding a global minimum corporate tax in 2021. The G20 summit is regarded one of the most important event of the year, with hopes of global improvement implemented at the end of the two days.
What do we know so far about the G20 2027 summit?
In Keir Starmer’s announcement regarding the UK being chosen as the G20 2027 summit host, he emphasised the priorities set out for the annual gathering including global growth, investment, fair trade and economic stability. Following this announcement, new prime minister Andy Burnham confirmed Manchester as the host city with Manchester Central as the likely but unconfirmed venue. The majority of details regarding the event, however, have yet to be revealed.
The government have released that details will be announced “in due course” but to expect slow changes in security measures around the city as security planning has already begun. The full list of leaders attending is also yet to be released, however Andy Burnham has confirmed to have personally invited US president Donald Trump to the summit whilst his attendance cannot be guaranteed.
What can we expect between now and summit day?
Major announcements including the exact dates of the summit, the detailed programmed, the final venue arrangements and arrangements for visiting leaders are expected to be gradually made. Following the announcement stage, the planning and preparation stage will begin with security planning becoming more visible alongside measures put to accommodate the large number of visitors.
This may include changes in policing or temporary restrictions around the city. Behind the scenes, the UK government will begin to develop its priorities to create a suitable agenda for summit week. Closer to the event, the final preparations will take place with the arrival and welcoming of leaders and delegations as well as the organisation of media operations and transport arrangements.
Why is this event significant for Manchester?
The G20 is considered the largest international gathering, therefore by hosting the leaders’ summit Manchester is given a high international profile and emphasised as an international business centre. Manchester will become the centre of major decision making and possible changes to global policy, providing the city with exposure that can create economic opportunities for businesses and industries. Furthermore, Andy Burnham emphasised his goal as prime minister to move political power away from London where the majority of major international events have taken place.
Hence, the G20 leader’s summit is significant in this wider strategy of expanding political power throughout the country. Overall, the summit will serve as a representation of Manchester’s resources and growth that places it as one of the most advanced and thriving cities in the UK.
