Donald Trump and Keir Starmer maintain 45-minute cellphone name – and promise to ‘meet quickly’
Keir Starmer and Donald Trump shared a 45-minute phone call tonight as they spoke for the first time since the inauguration.
The leaders discussed the importance of “close and warm ties” between the UK and the US and agreed “to meet soon”, No10 said. The talks came hours after the US President gave an unexpectedly warm endorsement of Mr Starmer, saying “I like him a lot” and he’s done “a very good job thus far”.
A No10 readout of the call said Mr Trump offered his condolences to Mr Starmer following the death of his brother Nick on Boxing Day, while the PM congratulated the President on his inauguration.
In a call lasting around 45 minutes, they discussed security in the Middle East, the economy and the close ties between Britain and the US.
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Anadolu via Getty Images)
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “President Trump opened by sending his condolences to the Prime Minister on the loss of his brother. The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his kind words and congratulated him on his inauguration.
“The Prime Minister paid tribute to President Trump’s role in securing the landmark ceasefire and hostages deal in Gaza. The President welcomed the release of Emily Damari and sent his best wishes to her family. They discussed the importance of working together for security in the Middle East.
“They also discussed trade and the economy, with the Prime Minister setting out how we are deregulating to boost growth. The two leaders stressed the importance of the close and warm ties between the UK and the US, and the President spoke of his respect and affection for the Royal Family.
“They agreed to meet soon and looked forward to further discussions then.”
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The PM last met Mr Trump for a two-hour dinner at Trump Tower in New York in September during the presidential race. The pair also spoke on the phone following Mr Trump’s election win.
But Mr Trump has already made calls to other world leaders since his inauguration, including the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the President of El Salvador and the King of Jordan before speaking to Mr Starmer.
No10 has strenuously avoided criticising Mr Trump in public despite a number of controversial early decisions, including withdrawing the US from the Paris climate accords and the World Health Organisation. Ministers are also hoping to persuade him not to slap punitive trade tariffs on the UK, which would drive up prices.
The PM is expected to visit the White House in the coming weeks, with a diplomatic push behind the scenes to secure a trip as soon as possible. But there have been fears that he could be pipped to a coveted early visit by populist right-wing leaders like Italy’s Meloni or Hungarian leader Viktor Orban.
Theresa May was the first foreign leader to meet Mr Trump in his first term in 2017. But the visit turned into a headache for the-then PM when Mr Trump made global headlines by grabbing her hand as they walked through the White House.
