President Donald Trump held a phone conversation with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday, where they discussed a range of topics including trade, the economy, and the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. According to a statement from 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister Starmer praised Trump for his role in facilitating the ceasefire, which led to the release of several hostages, including British-Israeli Emily Damari, as part of the deal brokered by the Biden administration, with Trump’s involvement in the final stages.
During the call, both leaders agreed to meet in person soon. The two had previously met over dinner last September at Trump Tower, alongside British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Although Trump and Starmer come from different political backgrounds Trump being a conservative and Starmer leading the center-left Labour Party the American president expressed admiration for Starmer’s work, describing him as a “very good person” despite their political differences.
Trump also extended his condolences to Starmer over the recent passing of his younger brother, Nick, from cancer, and conveyed his respect for the British Royal Family. While discussions about the Chagos Islands, a subject of tension over the UK’s agreement to transfer the territory to Mauritius, were anticipated, sources confirmed that the issue did not arise in the conversation.
Additionally, the leaders addressed the importance of fostering a fair economic relationship between the two countries. The White House confirmed the conversation included talks on enhancing bilateral economic ties. The call highlighted the ongoing diplomatic exchange between the US and the UK under their current leaderships.