Sir Keir Starmer’s chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney, reportedly undertook a covert diplomatic mission to the United States aimed at strengthening ties with President-elect Donald Trump. Sources suggest the trip signals the Labour government’s intent to establish a constructive relationship with the incoming US administration despite prior tensions.
Meeting key Trump allies
During his visit, Mr. McSweeney held discussions with Susie Wiles, a prominent political strategist expected to be named as President Trump’s chief of staff, and Congressman Mike Waltz, who is set to assume the role of National Security Adviser. The meetings took place in Florida and Washington earlier this month, reflecting Labour’s strategic efforts to engage with Trump’s inner circle.
This outreach comes in the wake of prior criticisms of Mr. McSweeney’s attendance at a Democratic Party convention, which raised eyebrows among Trump campaign officials during the US presidential election.
Challenges in UK-US relations
The mission underscores concerns in London about maintaining strong ties with the US under Trump’s leadership. A number of Labour Cabinet ministers have openly criticised the President-elect, a stark contrast to Nigel Farage, the Reform Party leader and long-time Trump ally. Additionally, tensions between Sir Keir and billionaire Elon Musk, one of Trump’s prominent supporters and a key appointee to lead the newly created US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have added complexity to the bilateral dynamic.
Despite these challenges, a senior Downing Street insider described a recent phone call between Sir Keir and Mr. Trump as “warm,” hinting at optimism for a collaborative relationship. The conversation included discussions on a potential White House visit by Sir Keir in February following Trump’s inauguration.
Jonathan powell joins the diplomatic push
Accompanying Mr. McSweeney on his US mission was Jonathan Powell, a seasoned diplomat and former chief of staff to Tony Blair. Mr. Powell’s involvement suggests an effort to leverage his extensive experience in international negotiations.
However, his role has not been without controversy. Powell previously brokered the contentious agreement to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, a decision now under scrutiny in light of Trump’s presidency.
Labour’s trade and security goals
During the US visit, discussions centred on the UK-US trade relationship, including hopes for a tariff-free agreement under Trump’s administration. Broader issues such as the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and US-China relations were also addressed, highlighting the wide-ranging scope of potential collaboration.
A Downing Street readout of Sir Keir’s phone call with Trump noted the leaders’ shared commitment to global security and economic prosperity. The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s support for Ukraine against Russian aggression and emphasised the importance of peace in the Middle East.
Shoe-leather diplomacy amid criticism
The mission coincides with criticisms from political observers and rivals. Mr. Trump’s close ally, Nigel Farage, expressed “deep disquiet” about past Labour policies, including the Chagos Islands deal, during a recent visit to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate.
Additionally, Sir Keir’s government has faced scrutiny for its approach to domestic issues, including prior disagreements with Musk over the handling of civil unrest in the UK. Musk, who had controversially claimed that “civil war is inevitable” in Britain, later retracted false accusations about Labour’s policies.
Aiming for stronger UK-US ties
Despite the hurdles, Downing Street remains optimistic. A spokesperson stated that Sir Keir and President Trump had expressed a “joint ambition to strengthen the close and historic relationship between the UK and the US.”
As Sir Keir prepares for a possible US visit early next year, his government appears determined to navigate the complexities of forging a productive relationship with Trump’s administration, balancing strategic interests and past tensions.
Looking ahead
With the prospect of key trade deals and joint security initiatives on the horizon, Sir Keir’s diplomatic efforts could significantly shape the future of UK-US relations. While challenges remain, the Labour government’s overtures to the Trump administration suggest a pragmatic approach to ensuring Britain’s global standing.
