Starmer and Trump: An Unlikely Diplomatic Encounter
At first glance, there seem to be few obvious parallels between Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump. One is a meticulous human rights lawyer with a background in leftist politics, while the other is a brash right-wing figure known for his impulsive rhetoric. However, during their first in-person meeting since Trump resumed the presidency, this unusual duo appeared to find common ground.
Starmer likely did not anticipate that his visit to the White House would unfold as positively as it did. He successfully navigated several potential diplomatic pitfalls that could have turned the encounter into a debacle, ultimately achieving some significant outcomes.
One standout moment was when Starmer presented a letter from King Charles III inviting Trump for a state visit. This strategic move set a promising tone for their discussions, reminiscent of Trump’s own flair for theatricality.
Contrary to predictions that Trump might oppose the UK’s claim to the Chagos Islands or criticize Starmer’s efforts to strengthen ties with the European Union, those concerns did not materialize. In fact, Trump seemed surprisingly well-informed about the issue and expressed a willingness to support the deal regarding the islands.
When the President lauded Starmer as a “tough negotiator” on trade, it hinted at potential disagreements. Nevertheless, Trump concluded by suggesting that an agreement to prevent US tariffs on British goods was likely within reach.
On the topic of Ukraine, the atmosphere was notably more optimistic than in previous discussions. Trump praised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and, in a significant shift, expressed eagerness to assist Kyiv in reclaiming territory lost to Russian aggression.
However, Starmer did not achieve all his objectives. Notably, Trump has yet to endorse the UK’s proposal for a “backstop” arrangement, which would entail the US providing security guarantees for Ukraine and the European peacekeeping forces stationed there following a future peace agreement.
Future of the Starmer-Trump Relationship
The road ahead for the Starmer-Trump dynamic is still uncertain: Trump’s presidency has a daunting 47 months remaining, and barring unforeseen circumstances, Starmer is expected to remain in office throughout that period. The potential for complications remains—recalling how Theresa May’s initially warm rapport with Trump soured into conflict over Brexit serves as a stark reminder. Trump’s unpredictable nature means that a single outburst could jeopardize this budding friendship.
For now, however, the results of this brief visit appear to validate Starmer’s strategy of aligning closely with the President, steering clear of public confrontations. Their only significant disagreement during the public engagements occurred when Starmer corrected Trump’s assertion that European donors to Ukraine were being reimbursed. By positioning himself as a “bridge” between the US and Europe, Starmer may successfully coax Trump’s policies closer to those of the UK.
Some members of the Labour Party express discomfort with Starmer’s camaraderie with Trump, often contrasting it with the more outspoken approach of Sir Sadiq Khan, who does not shy away from criticizing the President. Should the relationship begin to deteriorate, these critics may quickly assert that the compromises made were ill-advised from the start.
Yet, at this juncture, the outlook appears cautiously optimistic for Starmer—a Prime Minister whose primary concern is that the “special relationship” and the broader network of Western alliances do not unravel during his tenure.
Hugo Gye is the political editor at The i Paper
