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Sir Keir Starmer aims to create “a bridge” between Washington and Europe amidst escalating transatlantic tensions regarding Ukraine, trade, defense, and free speech.
The Prime Minister of the UK is anticipated to join a summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday to explore a European strategy for resolving the war in Ukraine, especially as signs emerge that US President Donald Trump may be marginalizing the continent.
Following this, Starmer is set to visit Washington in the last week of February to persuade Trump to actively include European nations in discussions about Ukraine and to attempt to prevent US tariffs.
He described this as “a once in a generation moment for our national security as we confront the realities of today’s world and the threats posed by Russia.”
Starmer emphasized, “The UK will strive to ensure that the US and Europe remain united. We cannot let any rifts in the alliance detract from the adversities we face.”
Downing Street has indicated that another meeting of European leaders, including Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, is expected after Starmer’s discussions with Trump.
The UK, along with other European nations, is under intense pressure from Trump to boost defense spending amid slow growth and strained public services.
Starmer has pledged to outline “a pathway” to increase UK defense spending from 2.3 percent of GDP to 2.5 percent, although he has not specified a timeline for achieving this target. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is working to maintain spending at 2.3 percent, while facing significant challenges to her fiscal plans.
The notion of a British “bridge” between Washington and Europe fragmented post-Brexit, with US presidents frequently preferring to engage with Berlin or Paris, alongside EU leaders in Brussels.
However, Starmer’s allies believe Trump holds a favorable view of Britain, which could be used to enhance political influence, even though Vice President JD Vance recently criticized the UK’s stance on free speech.
“I believe the UK can play a role as a bridge between the US and Europe as we adjust to this new era,” stated Jonathan Reynolds, Business and Trade Secretary, on Sunday. “This is indeed a new era.”
Reynolds mentioned in an interview with the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg that the UK’s relatively high defense spending, balanced trade relationships, and light regulation of artificial intelligence could provide advantages.
“There’s definitely a different perception of Europe compared to the UK,” Reynolds noted. “We have an opportunity to play a constructive role.” He added that the US views Britain “in a distinct light” regarding trade.
Lord Peter Mandelson, UK ambassador to Washington, suggested that Britain should take pride in being “not Europe.” Whether this is ambitious thinking from Starmer remains uncertain, especially given Trump’s announced intention to impose tariffs broadly and Vance’s recent criticism of the UK.
Vance commented at the Munich Security Conference that “the basic liberties of religious Britons, in particular,” were under threat, pointing out the prosecution of an anti-abortion protester.
Even if Starmer successfully persuades Trump to grant Britain preferential treatment—such as on tariffs—it could complicate his concurrent objective of “resetting” relations with the EU, which includes eliminating trade barriers.
Trump mentioned on Friday that Starmer had requested a meeting in Washington, stating the two leaders had “a lot of good things happening.” He noted that the meeting would occur “very soon,” with Starmer looking to come “next week or the week after.”
David Lammy, Foreign Secretary, has also urged the US not to disengage from Kyiv, emphasizing that American economic interests—including in the defense and industrial sectors—should be tied to the future defense of Ukraine.
“That is what will make Putin take notice, and it’s appealing to a US president who knows how to negotiate a good deal,” Lammy remarked last week.
