Keir Starmer has expressed that he personally “likes and respects” US President Donald Trump and recognizes his objectives.
In an interview with the New York Times, the prime minister noted: “President Trump makes a valid point regarding the need for European nations to bear a larger share of the burden for the collective self-defense of Europe.”
He emphasized that this is a pivotal time for the UK, and it would be inappropriate to choose sides between Europe and the US. “Churchill didn’t choose one over the other. Attlee didn’t either. It would be a significant error, in my opinion, to make that choice now,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Trump’s special envoy remarked this weekend that Starmer’s proposal for a “coalition of the willing” to advocate for a ceasefire in Ukraine was merely a “posture and a pose,” and dismissed comparisons to Winston Churchill.
Steve Witkoff described the idea as stemming from a “simplistic” perspective that UK prime ministers and other European leaders should all emulate Winston Churchill. He also expressed admiration for Vladimir Putin, stating he “liked” the Russian president and did not view him negatively.
Number 10 did not comment on Witkoff’s statements. However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that she was “not deterred by that.”
“We must ensure that any ceasefire can be enforced, and that’s the objective our prime minister is striving to achieve with allies worldwide, including the vital role of the US,” she stated. “It is also essential for European countries, including the UK, to increase defense spending because in this unpredictable world, our national security and domestic security are crucial for various aspects, including a robust economy.”
Starmer’s interview was prominently featured on the New York Times website in the US.
During the interview, the prime minister remarked that this crucial period for Europe and Ukraine had long been foreseeable. “Deep down, we’ve been aware this moment was approaching since Russian tanks crossed the border over three years ago,” he noted. “We must view this as a moment to galvanize and take the initiative.”
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The prime minister elaborated on his relationship with Trump during the interview, stating: “I believe we have a good rapport on a personal level.” He added: “I like and respect him. I comprehend what he aims to accomplish.”
Regarding some of Trump’s actions, such as imposing a 25% tariff on British steel and his critiques of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Starmer acknowledged that the president had caused “considerable disorientation” but argued that the appropriate response was not to be provoked. He also dismissed the necessity for “flowery” language concerning incidents like Trump and his vice-president JD Vance’s disagreement with Zelenskyy during their White House meeting.
“On the day the meeting in the Oval Office between President Trump and President Zelenskyy didn’t go particularly well, we faced pressure to respond very critically with, you know, embellished adjectives to describe the sentiments involved,” Starmer remarked. “I believed it was more effective to reach out by phone and engage with both sides to try and bring them back into alignment.”
