Anthony Albanese meets with leaders in UK, Marles defends ‘far-right’ comments
Anthony Albanese has been snapped carrying a pack of beer to a leaders’ meeting in the UK - but it’s what was on the cans that has drawn attention.
Anthony Albanese has showcased home-grown beer diplomacy in his meeting with leaders in the UK.
The Prime Minister was attending a dinner hosted by his UK counterpart Keir Starmer and Canadian leader Mark Carney when the media pack caught a glimpse of his offering to the gathering.
Mr Albanese, standing alongside fiancee Jodie Haydon, appeared to be carrying a four-pack of ‘Albo’s Pale Ale’, a popular ale from Sydney brewery Willie The Boatman featuring a young Albanese on the can.
“We’re polite guests,” he told reporters, as he held up the beer.
The product is a favourite of Mr Albanese’s, and was also made available at Labor’s official gathering on election night.
Metal drinks coolers filled with the cans were seen at the venue, allowing the cheeky design to serve a dual purpose as a decoration.
Mr Albanese was joined by his partner Jodie Haydon as the pair entered the dinner at 10 Downing Street in London.
The UK gathering comes as acting Prime Minister Richard Marles dismissed suggestions that Mr Albanese has damaged his relationship with Donald Trump with a swipe taken at the far-right on Friday.
After meeting his British counterpart Keir Starmer and a host of other centre-left leaders on Friday, Mr Albanese said people in Australia were “concerned about elements of the far-right rising in various countries”.
When asked about right-wing populist party Reform UK, and its leader Nigel Farage – who has close ties to the US President – Mr Albanese called the party divisive.
“I don’t want to see the rise of populist organisations such as that,” Mr Albanese said.
“Parties and governments have to come up with solutions, not seek to divide people.”
Mr Marles shut down suggestions that these comments would harm relations with Mr Trump, who is expected to hold a highly anticipated meeting with Mr Albanese next month.
“I think (Mr Albanese) is making it clear that it’s really important that as we engage in democracies, it’s important that we are doing so from a place of correct information and facts,” Mr Marles told Seven’s Weekend Sunrise on Saturday morning.
“Between the US, the UK and Australia, obviously, our three countries work very closely together on a range of international matters.”
Mr Marles cited AUKUS – the defence pact between Australia, the UK and the US – as an example of the nation’s close relationship, despite the Trump administration undertaking a formal review of the pact in June.
“All three countries are working very closely together to see AUKUS move ahead at a pace, and that’s what’s happening,” Mr Marles said.
“Yes, the US is doing a review and we welcome that – it is important to look at how we can do AUKUS better.
“We’re all committed to AUKUS – it’s something which is underpinned by a trilateral treaty between our three countries.”
On Friday morning, Mr Albanese took part in a panel discussion at the Global Progressive Action Conference alongside Sir Keir, Canadian Prime Mark Carney and Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir.
Stronger together.
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) September 26, 2025
Plus fort ensemble.
Sterkari saman.
🇦🇺🇮🇸🇨🇦🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/moLsOP7oU0
The group of leaders discussed how best to counter rising right-wing extremism and anti-immigration sentiment.
Mr Albanese is expected to meet with King Charles on Saturday at Balmoral Castle in the Scottish Highlands.
Originally published as Anthony Albanese meets with leaders in UK, Marles defends ‘far-right’ comments
