Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy has remarked that the general public can discern Donald Trump’s recurring criticisms of Keir Starmer while defending the strength of the special relationship between the UK and the US.
Lammy highlighted that Trump’s recent verbal assaults on the Prime Minister were likely aimed at applying pressure regarding the Iran conflict, but he emphasized that this did not weaken the longstanding ties between the two countries. Trump’s continuous verbal attacks on the UK emerged following Starmer’s decision not to participate in the conflict with Iran, showing strain in transatlantic relations.
Speaking during a call with the Mirror while on a visit to the Gulf, Lammy reaffirmed his belief in the genuine nature of the special relationship, citing strong military partnerships, intelligence sharing, significant economic investments, and people-to-people connections as its foundation.
Addressing Trump’s disparaging remarks towards the UK, Lammy expressed confidence in the British people’s ability to see through the President’s rhetoric and recognize his attempts to influence the Prime Minister’s stance on the conflict. Lammy reiterated that the UK’s position remained unchanged, asserting that the conflict was not theirs to engage in.
Lammy also mentioned his positive rapport with US Vice President JD Vance, with whom he had developed an unexpected friendship. They recently discussed efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Islamabad and plans for an upcoming virtual summit led by the Prime Minister.
Furthermore, Lammy stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia amid the crisis in Iran, noting Vance’s familiarity with the issue and shared desire to end the conflict.
During his visit to Oman and Kuwait, Lammy met with allies affected by Iran’s retaliatory actions and engaged with military personnel, including members of the UK’s Royal Air Force Regiment involved in safeguarding against drone threats.
As Starmer readies to co-host a summit in France with world leaders on reopening the Strait of Hormuz post-Iran conflict, the Prime Minister is expected to emphasize the global responsibility of ensuring unhindered energy and trade flow through the strait.