Starmer DENIES Trump’s declare he provided to ship UK carriers to Middle East as Special Relationship goes into tailspin… and Europe snubs US name to patrol Strait of Hormuz
Keir Starmer is struggling to hold the Special Relationship together today amid open clashes with Donald Trump over the Iran war.
The US president vented his frustration with the PM again last night, describing the UK’s reluctance to get involved in the Middle East as ‘terrible’.
He also claimed that Sir Keir had offered to send two aircraft carriers to the region – something that Downing Street denied. Only one of the UK’s carriers is currently operational, and that is due to be deployed to the Arctic.
The barbs came as European powers batted away Mr Trump’s call to send warships to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz.
Around a fifth of global oil supplies typically pass through the channel, but Iran has been managing to keep it effectively shut with missile and drone strikes.
Sir Keir insisted yesterday that the UK would not get dragged into a ‘wider war’ after the US and Israel launched attacks. France and Germany have also dismissed the idea of taking an active role while conflict is raging.
Donald Trump vented his frustration with Keir Starmer again last night, describing the UK’s reluctance to get involved in the Middle East as ‘terrible’
Mr Trump claimed that Sir Keir (pictured yesterday) had offered to send two aircraft carriers to the region – something that Downing Street denied
The PM – who will host Volodymyr Zelensky in Downing Street today – has stressed the importance of keeping the focus on Ukraine’s campaign against Russian invasion.
Mr Trump’s annoyance boiled over again last night, presenting Sir Keir with another major diplomatic headache.
‘I was very surprised with the United Kingdom. Two weeks ago I said, “Why don’t you send some ships over?” And he [Starmer] really didn’t want to do it,’ the President said.
‘You’re our oldest ally, and we spend a lot of money on Nato and all these things to protect you. I mean, we’re protecting them. I think it is terrible.
‘I was not happy with the UK. I think they will be involved, maybe, but they should be involved enthusiastically. We requested two aircraft carriers which they had. And he did not really want to do it. And after the war had essentially ended, I mean after they were obliterated, he said “I would like to send the aircraft carriers.”
‘I said “I don’t need them after the war has ended, I needed them before the war”.’
Seemingly contradicting himself, Mr Trump added that he approached Britain, France and others ‘not because we need them, but because I want to find out how they react’.
The PM – who will host Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured) in Downing Street today – has stressed the importance of keeping the focus on Ukraine’s campaign against Russian invasion
Last night in the Oval Office, Mr Trump renewed his criticism. He said: ‘The UK was sort of considered the Rolls-Royce of allies, right? I said [to Sir Keir] it would be really helpful if you’d send over a couple of ships, and if you have some minesweepers.’
‘The Prime Minister is a nice man. He says “Well, I’d like to ask my team.” I said “You’re the Prime Minister, you can make a decision”.’
Even if Britain wanted to send a warship, the two that could be deployed, destroyers HMS Dauntless and HMS Duncan, are being prepared for a crucial Nato exercise in the High North where they are expected to escort the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
