Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump emphasised the enduring strength of the UK-US relationship during their first official phone call since the inauguration. Both leaders agreed to meet “soon,” according to a statement from Downing Street. The conversation, which lasted 45 minutes, comes shortly after the US president praised the Prime Minister for having done “a very good job thus far.”
In a warm exchange, Mr Trump began by offering condolences to Sir Keir for the loss of his brother Nick, who passed away on Boxing Day after battling cancer. Sir Keir thanked the president for his kind words and congratulated him on his inauguration. Downing Street noted that the call was characterised by “a warm and personal tone.”
During the discussion, Sir Keir commended President Trump for his role in brokering a ceasefire and securing a hostages deal in Gaza, specifically highlighting the release of Israeli-British national Emily Damari. Mr Trump, in turn, extended his best wishes to Ms Damari’s family. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together on Middle East security, an area of mutual importance.
The conversation also touched on trade and economic growth. Sir Keir highlighted the UK government’s efforts to deregulate and stimulate economic growth. Both leaders acknowledged the significance of a fair bilateral economic relationship and stressed the importance of maintaining close and warm ties between the two nations. Mr Trump expressed his respect and admiration for the British royal family, underscoring the cultural and historical ties binding the UK and the US.
Key challenges and diplomatic hurdles
While the call was largely positive, it took place against the backdrop of complex diplomatic issues. Notably absent from the discussion was the fate of the Chagos Islands deal, a contentious issue within diplomatic circles. The UK has pledged to transfer sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius while leasing back Diego Garcia, a strategically vital base used by the US, for 99 years. The arrangement, valued at £90 million annually, has faced scrutiny. Critics within Mr Trump’s administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have expressed concerns that this move could strengthen Chinese influence in the region.
Downing Street sources suggested the matter was omitted to avoid complicating an otherwise positive dialogue. Sir Keir’s government has maintained that adhering to International Court of Justice rulings in favour of Mauritius is essential, but the implications for US-UK relations remain uncertain.
NATO and defence spending
The call also comes amid concerns over defence spending. Reports suggest that the US administration is pressuring NATO allies to increase their defence budgets, with Mr Trump advocating for a target of 2.5% of GDP by 2030. However, meeting this target would require significant budgetary adjustments in the UK, potentially affecting public services in the run-up to the next general election. A senior government source described the prospect of achieving this target as “a non-starter,” though the government officially dismissed such reports as speculation.
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The UK currently meets NATO’s 2% GDP defence spending commitment. Mr Trump, a known critic of NATO, has previously suggested members should aim for 5%, well above the US’s own 3.4%.
Positive remarks amid criticism
Despite external criticisms, including attacks from tech mogul Elon Musk on Sir Keir’s handling of sensitive domestic issues, Mr Trump spoke warmly of the Prime Minister. Speaking aboard Air Force One, the president described Sir Keir as “a very good person” and praised his leadership. “He’s liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he’s done a very good job thus far,” said Mr Trump.
The positive rapport between the two leaders signals a desire to strengthen bilateral relations, which Sir Keir echoed in a statement expressing his eagerness to meet Mr Trump in person.
Next steps
The call ended with both leaders agreeing to meet in the near future, with Sir Keir expected to visit Washington in the coming weeks. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has indicated that fostering strong ties with the US remains a priority for the Labour government.
The UK may also be the destination for Mr Trump’s first overseas visit of his new term, further cementing the “special relationship” between the two nations. Both sides expressed optimism about the future of UK-US collaboration, particularly in areas of trade, security, and economic growth.
