UK and US Relations Stronger Than Ever Under Starmer and Biden
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently met with US President Joe Biden, emphasizing that the strong bond between the UK and the US remains solid. According to the BBC, this was Starmer’s first meeting with Biden, taking place at NATO’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington before their private discussion in the Oval Office.
Starmer saw this meeting as a chance to reinforce the commitment to NATO and the special UK-US relationship. He highlighted the enduring importance of this relationship, stating that it has grown even stronger over time.
President Biden described the US and UK as the “best of allies,” noting that the UK plays a crucial role in connecting NATO with Europe.
The meeting occurred as Starmer seeks to establish a new security agreement with EU nations to enhance defense cooperation. Additionally, NATO agreed to provide further support to Ukraine during the Washington summit, and Starmer confirmed that the UK would continue its £3 billion annual military aid to Kyiv.
Biden expressed optimism about the current direction of their efforts. Starmer congratulated Biden on hosting the summit, praising NATO’s growth and strength.
On his first international trip as prime minister, Starmer, an Arsenal Football Club fan, gifted Biden a personalized team shirt with Biden’s name and the number 46, signifying him being the 46th US president. He also presented Biden with a copy of the Atlantic Charter, the 1941 US-UK declaration that led to NATO’s formation, featuring amendments by then-Labour leader Clement Attlee.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who accompanied Starmer, met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The State Department stated that they reaffirmed their commitment to providing Ukraine with the necessary economic, security, and humanitarian support to defend its sovereignty.
