In a move that has raised eyebrows, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer enjoyed a two-hour dinner with former US President Donald Trump in New York City. This gathering, held at Trump Tower, marked the first meeting between the two leaders and was attended by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy. While in New York for the UN General Assembly, Sir Keir did not meet with Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, citing “usual diary challenges.” Harris was in Washington for talks with President Joe Biden and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The meeting between Starmer and Trump comes at a crucial time, with the US presidential election on the horizon. While neither the UK government nor Trump have disclosed the topics discussed during the dinner, Sir Keir described the meeting as “good,” while Trump praised Keir’s electoral race and popularity.
The absence of a meeting between Sir Keir and Harris raises questions about the potential impact of a Trump presidency on UK support for Ukraine. Sir Keir has emphasized the longstanding special relationship between the UK and the US.
This meeting follows a recent encounter between Sir Keir and President Joe Biden on September 14th, where they discussed the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the threats posed by Vladimir Putin. The meeting, held at the White House, highlighted the strong alliance between the UK and the US in addressing global issues.
Meanwhile, a recent survey revealed that 55% of chief financial officers (CFOs) believe Harris is likely to win the upcoming presidential election, despite many considering Trump better suited to handle economic challenges.
This dinner between the UK Prime Minister and the former US President adds another layer of complexity to the already intricate landscape of international relations, particularly in the context of the upcoming US elections. The meeting’s significance and potential consequences remain to be seen, but it certainly underscores the importance of the UK-US relationship in the face of global challenges.
