Portrait of Keir Starmer
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Keir Starmer on Joe Biden

Relationship of Mutual Respect (strong)

Keir Starmer views US President Joe Biden as a positive figure with whom he shares a commitment to strengthening the UK-US Special Relationship. This relationship has been publicly affirmed through congratulations, meetings, and shared policy alignments, particularly regarding international issues.

Since becoming Prime Minister, Starmer has engaged directly with Biden, discussing key shared priorities such as continued support for Ukraine and fostering trade. The tone of their interactions suggests a cooperative diplomatic engagement based on shared values and transatlantic partnership.

The relationship has been managed through both the Biden and Trump administrations, with Starmer adapting his engagement strategy, but the baseline position regarding the current incumbent, Joe Biden, is one of mutual support and collaborative diplomacy.

Context

The relationship between the Prime Minister of the UK and the President of the US is conventionally referred to as the Special Relationship and is a cornerstone of UK foreign policy. Keir Starmer's engagement with Joe Biden's administration, and later the administration of Donald Trump, signifies the importance he places on maintaining and strengthening this transatlantic alliance.

Starmer's immediate outreach to Biden upon taking office in July 2024 indicated a desire to signal continuity in UK foreign policy, particularly concerning key allies like the US and shared international commitments.

Timeline

  1. Joe Biden congratulated Keir Starmer on his election victory, noting a 'hell of a victory' for the Labour leader.
  2. Starmer and Biden discussed their shared commitment to the Special Relationship and mutual support for Ukraine shortly after Starmer became Prime Minister.
  3. Starmer met with President Trump at the White House to discuss continued support for Ukraine and a potential peace deal, in addition to presenting an invitation for a state visit.

Actions Taken

  1. Diplomatic Call/Meeting
    Discussed shared commitment to the Special Relationship and mutual support of Ukraine with President Biden.
  2. Bilateral Meeting
    Met with President Trump (Biden's successor) to discuss continued support to Ukraine and a potential peace deal, showing engagement across US political lines.

Related Positions

  • Ukraine–Russia war Continued support for Ukraine is a key point of alignment with President Biden's administration.
  • United States The overall relationship with the US is a vital component of Starmer's foreign policy agenda.

Comparison

Starmer's approach to the US executive demonstrates a pragmatic continuity, contrasting with some previous Labour leadership's more adversarial stance towards Republican administrations.

While Starmer's government negotiated a trade agreement with the United States as part of his broader diplomatic efforts, his engagement with Biden specifically focused on shared defence and international security interests.