Keir Starmer urged Donald Trump to strengthen the UK-US special relationship, expressing concerns about Trump’s potential hard-line trade policies impacting the UK economy. While Prime Minister congratulated Trump on his election win, fears remain that proposed tariffs could lead to a 0.9% GDP contraction and a £2bn drop in defense spending by 2029. Starmer plans a visit to the US soon, amidst speculation regarding royal engagement to enhance ties. He emphasized the historical partnership and the need for collaboration to address global challenges, signaling aspirations for a transatlantic trade deal and continued cooperation on key issues like security and prosperity.
Keir Starmer today called on Donald Trump to “deepen” the special relationship, amid fears that the incoming president’s hard-line trade strategy will hurt the UK economy.
prime minister overnight offered their congratulations in an impassioned statement, insisting that the transatlantic relationship was built on “solid foundations”.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said this morning that Sir Keir was due to visit the US in the coming weeks, but there were also claims senior royals could be sent on an expedition to help foster ties. be.
However, there are concerns about the wide political gap between Labor and the new White House. Meanwhile, Mr Trump’s pledge to impose “beautiful” tariffs could dash Sir Keir’s hopes of boosting growth.
Some forecasters believe the Lord Chancellor’s policies will cause the UK economy to contract by 0.9% by 2029. The House of Commons Library estimates that this would mean defense spending would fall by £2bn.
Mr. Trump spent the eve of his inauguration attending rallies, declaring that his supporters had “built a new American majority that will lead our country to success for generations to come.”
Keir Starmer has called on Donald Trump (pictured) to “deepen” the special relationship amid fears that the incoming president’s hard-line trade strategy could damage the UK economy.
The Prime Minister offered his congratulations overnight in an impassioned statement, insisting the transatlantic relationship was built on “solid foundations”.
British politicians including Nigel Farage, Liz Truss and Suella Braverman have visited Washington DC ahead of the ceremony. Although Lord Keir was not there, he stressed that Downing Street was following long-standing precedent.
Rumors are swirling that President Trump may seek to punish Sir Keir for his work with labor activists who traveled to the United States to campaign for Democratic rival Kamala Harris.
There are even suggestions that Lord Mandelson’s appointment as UK ambassador could be vetoed, but ministers have downplayed that possibility.
No10 is hoping for an early invitation for Sir Keir to the White House, while Mr Trump’s second state visit to the UK may also be on the cards.
But other potential flashpoints include Labor’s plans to hand over the Chagos Islands to Mauritius and whether to maintain support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.
In his message, Sir Keir left strong hints that he wants to pursue a transatlantic trade deal, which was intensely negotiated under the previous Trump administration.
“For centuries, the relationship between our countries has been one of co-operation, co-operation and an enduring partnership. It is a close bond that is uniquely close,” Sir Keir said.
“Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked toward mutual security and prosperity.”
When the prime minister and the president-elect met at New York’s Trump Tower in September ahead of the US presidential election, Sir Keir said he was a “big believer in personal relationships on the international stage”.
Mr. Trump spent the eve of his inauguration attending rallies, declaring that his supporters had “built a new American majority that will lead our country to success for generations to come.”
Sir Keir added: “Since our first meeting in September, the President and I have discussed the need to deepen and invest in our transatlantic relationship.”
“We will continue to build on the strong foundations of our historic partnership as we take our partnership to the next level by addressing the global challenges we face together and focusing on our common opportunities for growth. .”
“We look forward to our next meeting as we continue our shared mission to ensure the peace, prosperity and security of our two great nations.
“The special relationship between the UK and the US will continue to flourish for many years to come.”