No10 releases video of second Keir Starmer is congratulated by Biden
- The President praised Sir Keir on his victory and spoke on future collaboration
Sir Keir Starmer has released a clip of his historic first conversation with US President Joe Biden since becoming Prime Minister on Friday.
‘Mr Prime Minister, congratulations,’ the 81-year-old American premier said in his first words to Britain’s 58th Prime Minister in a short call last night.
‘What a hell of a victory! Congratulations,’ he repeated as Sir Keir cracked a smile, leaning in to address Mr Biden through a telephone on a desk at Number 10.
‘Thank you, Mr President. It’s been a long night and day,’ the Prime Minister said in something of an understatement, before expressing his thanks and plans to see Mr Biden in Washington next week.
‘There is no doubt under your leadership, our two countries are going to continue our special relationship,’ the President assured Sir Keir.
‘We’re working together on just about every issue: supporting Ukraine, managing the competition in China, advancing cooperation with AUKUS…’
Sir Keir Starmer spoke to President Joe Biden on Friday on day one of his premiership
Sir Keir was congratulated by the President on his ‘hell of a victory’ in the election
The Prime Minister assured of the importance of the ‘special relationship’ in his first call
‘Firstly the special relationship is the bedrock for… our defence, our security and prosperity which is obviously central to our missions for government,’ the Prime Minister said, rounding off the short clip with an assurance of continued relations with the United States under Joe Biden’s presidency.
Sir Keir was reported to have made calls to Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his first day in office.
To the latter, he reiterated Britain’s support for Ukraine as Kyiv continues to face down the Russian invasion.
The Prime Minister received his first call from French President Emmanuel Macron, however, who phoned late on Thursday night to congratulate him on his victory in the general election.
‘Congratulations Sir Keir Starmer on your victory. Pleased with our first discussion,’ the French President wrote on Twitter/X early on July 5.
‘We will continue the work begun with the UK for our bilateral cooperation, for peace and security in Europe, for the climate and for AI.’
Keir Starmer speaks during a news conference following his first cabinet meeting today
President Joe Biden speaks at a rally in Madison, Wisconsin on Friday to shore up support
