UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has declared that the special relationship between the UK and the US is “stronger than ever” following his first meeting with US President Joe Biden. The leaders met at NATO’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington, marking Starmer’s inaugural visit to the US as Prime Minister.
The encounter, held just hours before their private talks in the Oval Office, provided an opportunity for both leaders to reaffirm their commitment to NATO and the enduring alliance between their nations. Addressing reporters in the White House, Starmer emphasized the importance of the UK-US relationship, stating, “The special relationship is so important. It’s forged in difficult circumstances, endured for so long, and stronger now than ever.”
President Biden reciprocated the sentiment, describing the US and UK as the “best of allies” and referring to the UK as the “transatlantic knot” that connects NATO with its European members. The summit saw NATO agreeing to further support for Ukraine, with Starmer confirming the UK’s annual £3bn military aid to Kyiv would continue.
During their talks, Starmer presented President Biden with a personalized Arsenal Football Club shirt bearing the number 46, symbolizing Biden as the 46th US President. Additionally, Starmer gifted a copy of the Atlantic Charter, the 1941 US-UK declaration that laid the groundwork for NATO, featuring amendments from former Labour leader Clement Attlee.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, accompanying Starmer on the trip, met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The State Department reported that Lammy and Blinken reaffirmed their commitment to providing Ukraine with necessary economic, security, and humanitarian aid. They also discussed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of hostages and pave the way for lasting peace.
The new UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, also met with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin, as part of the broader discussions on defense and security cooperation between the two nations.
The summit and the meetings underscore the continued solidarity and strategic partnership between the UK and the US, especially in addressing global security challenges and reinforcing their mutual commitments to NATO and international stability.
