Sir Keir Starmer has extended his congratulations to US President-elect Donald Trump ahead of his swearing-in ceremony, marking the start of his second term in office. The inauguration will take place on Monday, eight years after Mr Trump first took the presidential oath.
The Prime Minister praised the “depth of friendship” between the UK and the United States and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the long-standing alliance. Sir Keir expressed confidence that the “special relationship” would continue to flourish, delivering benefits for citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.
“For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation, and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond,” Sir Keir said in a statement on Sunday evening. “Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity.”
The two leaders last met in New York at Trump Tower in September, during which Sir Keir emphasised the importance of personal diplomacy in navigating global challenges. Speaking on the eve of the inauguration, Sir Keir reiterated his belief in the strength of the transatlantic alliance.
“Since our first meeting, the President and I have spoken about the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship,” he said. “We will continue to build upon the unshakeable foundations of our historic alliance as we tackle together the global challenges we face and take our partnership to the next level, focused on shared opportunities ahead for growth.”
Mr Trump, meanwhile, addressed a packed rally at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC on Sunday evening. Declaring an end to “four long years of American decline,” he promised his supporters a “brand-new day of American strength and prosperity.”
“We not only won a mandate, but we built a new American majority that will lead our country to success for generations to come,” the president-elect said, drawing cheers from the crowd.
A number of UK political figures have travelled to Washington ahead of Monday’s ceremonies. Among them are outgoing ambassador to the US Dame Karen Pierce, shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel, and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
In a video posted on social media, Dame Priti stated that she was representing the Conservative Party, which shares a “decades-long relationship” with the Republicans. “Post-inauguration, our parties will continue to work together on shared values to secure prosperity and freedom across the globe,” she said.
Nigel Farage, a long-time supporter of Mr Trump, shared an image of himself in front of the White House illuminated against the evening sky, accompanied by three US flags.
However, questions remain over what the second Trump presidency might mean for global economies, particularly if he follows through on his promises to impose tariffs on imports.
Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones sought to reassure the public, stating that the UK Government had “prepared for all scenarios.” Speaking to the BBC’s Sunday With Laura Kuenssberg, Mr Jones said: “They’re hypothetical at this stage, and we need to see what the Trump administration does. But Mr Trump is well known for wanting to do a good deal.”
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While the Government will closely monitor developments in Washington, Sir Keir struck an optimistic tone about the future of the UK-US relationship. “I look forward to our next meeting as we continue our shared mission to ensure the peace, prosperity, and security of our two great nations,” he said.
The inauguration marks a pivotal moment in US politics, with Donald Trump’s return to the White House signalling potential shifts in global diplomacy. As leaders and diplomats gather in Washington to witness the ceremony, the world will watch closely to see how the second Trump presidency unfolds and what it holds for the special relationship between the UK and the US.
