On September 25, 2024, Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, engaged in discussions with former US President Donald Trump at Trump Tower in New York. This meeting marked their first encounter, aimed at fostering relations ahead of the upcoming US presidential election on November 5, 2024.
Starmer expressed his belief in the importance of personal relationships on the international stage, stating, "I think it really matters that you know who your counterpart is in any given country, and know them personally, get to know them face to face." The Prime Minister's efforts to meet with Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, were unsuccessful due to scheduling conflicts.
During his visit to New York, Starmer addressed the UN General Assembly, established in 1945, condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022. The Prime Minister's meeting with Trump occurred shortly after the Republican nominee suggested a potential reduction in support for Ukraine.
Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a campaign event in North Carolina, stating, "We continue to give billions of dollars to a man who refuses to make a deal, Zelensky." The former US president implied that Ukraine should have made concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
When questioned about potentially confronting Trump on global issues, including Ukraine, Starmer emphasized the enduring nature of the US-UK special relationship, a term coined by Winston Churchill in 1946. He remarked, "We've obviously had a special relationship with the US for a long time, forged in really difficult circumstances. That always sits above whoever holds the particular office, either in the US or the UK."
The Prime Minister added, "The US people will decide who they want as their president, and we will work with whoever is president, as you would expect." This statement reflects the UK's commitment to maintaining strong ties with the US, regardless of political leadership changes.
Starmer's visit to Washington included discussions with current US President Joe Biden at the White House, which has been the official residence of US Presidents since 1800. The talks focused on the potential use of UK-developed Storm Shadow missiles by Ukraine. However, John Kirby, a spokesman for the US National Security Council, established in 1947, indicated that no immediate announcement would be made on this matter.
The Prime Minister's diplomatic efforts underscore the continued importance of the UK-US alliance, which has remained strong since World War I. As both nations navigate complex global challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the maintenance of this special relationship remains a priority for UK leadership.
"I'm a great believer in personal relations on the international stage. I think it really matters that you know who your counterpart is in any given country, and know them personally, get to know them face to face."