US-UK relations will flourish under Trump, says PM

As Donald Trump was inaugurated as president on Monday, Sir Keir Starmer offered his congratulations, stating that the UK and the US would "continue to build on the strong foundations of our historic alliance." The Prime Minister indicated that the two countries would "tackle global challenges" and "focus on shared future growth opportunities," adding that "the special relationship between the UK and the US will continue to flourish in the years ahead."

A Treasury minister earlier stated that the UK government was optimistic about the prospect of a good relationship with the incoming US administration, highlighting the "opportunities" presented by a potential post-Brexit trade deal. However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage claimed that Sir Keir was in a "weak" negotiating position, given his desire to strengthen ties with the EU while also strengthening ties with the US.

In a statement on Sunday, Sir Keir said, "Since we first met in September, the President and I have discussed the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship." He added, "I look forward to our next meeting where we will continue to work together to ensure the peace, prosperity, and security of both our great nations." He also stated, "For centuries, the relationship between our two countries has been one of cooperation, collaboration, and lasting partnership. It is a unique and close bond," and added that "the friendship across the Atlantic will continue to deepen."

Trump's threats of tariffs, and what his return to Washington might mean for US support for Ukraine, are likely to be among the first issues raised in his second term. On the BBC's "Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday" program, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Darren Jones stated that the UK could avoid the 20% tax on all goods imported into the US promised by Trump, as the UK does not have a "trade deficit," adding that ministers were "prepared for all scenarios." He also said the government "needs to see what the Trump administration does," but that Trump was also "known for wanting to do good deals."

Meanwhile, Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, who was in Washington for Trump's inauguration, told the BBC that there was "hope" surrounding his administration. She said, "We need to build on this, at a time when our world faces so many global challenges... we need to make sure that our strongest and closest allies are truly aligned with us." Patel continued, "From the UK perspective, that also means re-opening discussions about a trade deal."

Farage said the government needed to "think outside the box" when dealing with the Trump administration. Speaking on BBC Radio 4's "Westminster Hour" program, Farage said, "I think what this government is doing, as all governments would do, is they're sticking to the established, status quo personnel approach. This man [Trump] does business in a way that is different to anyone we've seen in world politics before." Farage, a long-time supporter of Trump, has previously offered to act as a go-between in negotiations with the President-elect, but has so far been rebuffed by the government. He said, "They think they don't need me - but they might find out quite quickly that perhaps they do."

On the other hand, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey stated that Trump's return to the White House "will be a matter of deep concern for millions in Britain and around the world." He said, "A president who has promised to start trade wars, undermine NATO and praised Vladimir Putin is a clear threat to our national security and our economy."