United Kingdom Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has met with United States President Joe Biden, affirming that the special relationship between the two nations remains stronger than ever, pledging support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Russia.
This meeting marks a significant moment in international relations, coming at a crucial time for NATO and global security.
The new prime minister’s first face-to-face meeting with President Biden occurred at NATO’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington, shortly before their private discussions in the Oval Office. This summit, a historic event, underscores the ongoing importance of NATO in maintaining global security.
During their talks, Starmer emphasized the enduring strength of the UK-US relationship, saying it was an opportunity to “recommit” to NATO and the special relationship. Addressing reporters in the White House, Starmer told the president: “The special relationship is so important. It’s forged in difficult circumstances, endured for so long, and stronger now than ever.”
President Biden echoed this sentiment, calling the US and UK the “best of allies” and describing the UK as “the transatlantic knot” that ties NATO together with its European members.
This meeting coincides with Starmer’s efforts to form a new security pact with EU nations to enhance cooperation on defense. It also took place as NATO agreed on further support for Ukraine during the Washington summit. Starmer confirmed that the UK’s £3 billion a year military aid for Kyiv would continue. President Biden expressed optimism, stating, “things are moving in the right direction, I’m feeling really optimistic.”
Prime Minister Starmer congratulated President Biden on hosting the summit, highlighting the growth and strengthened resolve of NATO: “It’s a bigger NATO, a stronger NATO and a NATO with the resolve that we need.”
In a gesture of goodwill, Starmer, an Arsenal Football Club season ticket holder, presented President Biden with a personalized team shirt featuring Biden’s surname and the number 46, signifying his status as the 46th US president. Starmer also gifted Biden a copy of the Atlantic Charter, the 1941 US-UK declaration that laid the groundwork for NATO, with amendments from then-Labour leader Clement Attlee.
Accompanying Sir Keir on the trip, Foreign Secretary David Lammy met his US counterpart Antony Blinken. The State Department noted that Lammy and Blinken “re-affirmed the importance of ensuring Ukraine has the economic, security, and humanitarian assistance it needs to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.” They also “discussed the need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of hostages and lays the groundwork for durable peace.”
Additionally, the new UK Defence Secretary, John Healey, met with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin, further strengthening the ties between the two nations’ defense sectors.
