UK Prime Minister engages with republican nominee in private dinner, as Harris and Zelensky talks overshadow meeting

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has met with former US President Donald Trump for the first time, during a two-hour dinner in New York. The meeting took place at Trump Tower and was also attended by Foreign Secretary David Lammy. The encounter marks an effort by Starmer to establish a personal relationship with Trump, the Republican nominee for the 2024 US presidential election, though details of their discussion remain undisclosed.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Trump praised the UK Prime Minister, stating, “I actually think he’s very nice. He ran a great race, he did very well, it’s very early, he’s very popular.” The meeting comes as Starmer was in New York for the UN General Assembly, where he took time to connect with Trump before flying back to the UK.

Notably, Starmer did not meet with the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, despite expressing his desire to engage with both candidates ahead of the upcoming election. Harris, alongside President Joe Biden, was engaged in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington. The ongoing tensions between Zelensky and Trump’s campaign have added to the complex political backdrop of Starmer’s visit.

When asked about the potential implications of a Trump presidency for UK support for Ukraine, Starmer avoided speculation, emphasizing the longstanding “special relationship” between the UK and the US, which he said remains strong regardless of leadership changes. Starmer reassured that the relationship, particularly in areas such as the Middle East and Ukraine, would continue to thrive.

The meeting, seen as a strategic move ahead of the 2024 US presidential election, reinforces Starmer’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with whoever holds office in Washington.

Analysis

Political Perspective The meeting between Starmer and Trump underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement ahead of key global elections. While Starmer’s Labour government may differ ideologically from Trump’s Republican agenda, the PM’s emphasis on personal relationships signals a pragmatic approach to international diplomacy. This aligns with Starmer’s broader strategy of reinforcing the UK’s global standing, particularly as the US election looms.

Social Perspective Starmer’s decision to meet Trump, especially after Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s past criticisms of the former president, may raise eyebrows within Labour’s base. The Labour Party has historically maintained a critical stance toward Trump, and this meeting could spark debate about the balance between political principles and international pragmatism.

Economic Perspective With global markets sensitive to US-UK relations, the dinner could have economic implications. A positive relationship with the US, especially with a potential Trump presidency, could influence trade negotiations, defence contracts, and global security policies. Starmer’s efforts to engage both political camps in the US may help secure economic stability for the UK in a post-Brexit world.