Prime Minister said, America-UK relations will flourish under Trump’s leadership
Sir Keir Starmer congratulated Donald Trump on Monday before he becomes president, saying Britain and the US will “continue to build on the steadfast foundation of our historic alliance”.
The Prime Minister said they would tackle “global challenges” and “focus on shared opportunities for growth”, adding that “the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States will continue to flourish for years to come”.
A Treasury minister previously said the UK government was optimistic about the prospects for good relations with the incoming US administration, and highlighted “opportunities” around a potential trade deal after Brexit.
However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has claimed that Sir Keir is in a “weak” negotiating position due to his desire to strengthen ties with the US as well as the EU.
Before the US elections, Sir Keir and Trump met in New York At Trump Tower.
In a statement on Sunday, Sir Keir said: “Since our first meeting in September, the President and I have talked about the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship.”
Sir Keir said: “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.”
“For centuries, the relationship between our two countries has been one of cooperation, collaboration and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond,” he said.
“The deepening of friendship across the Atlantic will continue,” he said.
Trump’s threat to impose tariffs and what impact his return to Washington might have on US support for Ukraine could be one of the first issues raised during his second term.
On the BBC’s Sunday Laura Kuenssberg programme, Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones suggested Britain could avoid Trump’s promise to impose a 20% tax on all imports into the US by not running into a “trade deficit”, ministers said. Said. Prepared for all scenarios”.
He said the government “needs to look at what the Trump administration does” but also that Trump is “known for his willingness to make a good deal”.
Meanwhile, speaking to the BBC from Washington, where she is attending Trump’s inauguration, shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel said there were “expectations for his administration”.
He said, “We need to continue to build on that and at a time when our world is facing many global challenges… we need to make sure that our strongest and closest allies really step up with us.” Keeping pace with.”
Patel added: “From the UK’s point of view it also means restarting discussions on a trade deal.”
Faraz said the government needed to “think outside the box” when dealing with the Trump administration.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s The Westminster Hour, Farage said: “I think what this government does is what all governments do – they stick to established, status quo ways of appointing people.
“This man (Trump) does business differently from any other person we have seen before in global politics.”
Farage, a longtime Trump supporter, had previously offered to act as a mediator in talks with the president-elect but the government has so far rejected the offer.
“They don’t think they need me – but they might soon,” he said.
Elsewhere, Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Trump’s return to the White House would be “hugely worrying for Britain and millions of people around the world.”
“With a president who promises trade wars, weakens NATO and praises Vladimir Putin, the threat to our national security and our economy is clear,” he said.
