Country Report

An Extraordinary Relationship in Extraordinary Times

Starmer's visit to Washington was widely regarded as a success across the media and even by the opposition. The Prime Minister was well aware of the challenges posed by his meeting with Trump, had prepared thoroughly, and did not arrive in Washington empty-handed.

At the opening press conference, Keir Starmer handed his host an official invitation from King Charles for a second state visit. In the tradition of the British monarchy, this is indeed unprecedented. This episode highlights two key aspects of the British Prime Minister's strategy. Firstly, it underscored the "Special Relationship" between the two countries. Secondly, by extending the invitation, he placed personal relationships at the heart of his diplomacy, making it clear from the outset that his approach was not one of confrontation but rather rapprochement and persuasion of Trump, who now seems to be moving in a direction diametrically opposed to the values and interests traditionally associated with the West.

For London, this development is particularly delicate, as it had increasingly relied on a close partnership with the US following Brexit. To underline the UK's relevance, Prime Minister Starmer took two concrete steps to demonstrate that London is willing to assume leadership responsibility for Europe's security. He announced ahead of his visit that the defence budget would be increased to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 – three years earlier than planned. In the long term, it is even expected to reach three per cent. Against internal opposition, Starmer decided to fund this increase through cuts to international development aid. He also declared that the United Kingdom would deploy a troop contingent to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine. In Washington, he reaffirmed this commitment, skilfully linking it to the importance and necessity of American support. The message was clear: Britain would do everything in its power to fulfil its responsibilities but also relied on its closest ally to do the same.