UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet with US President Joe Biden at the White House on Friday, marking their first meeting since Biden announced he wouldn’t seek re-election in 2024. This visit will be Starmer’s second to the White House since taking office, with his initial visit occurring at the NATO summit shortly after Labour’s election victory.
The upcoming meeting comes at a crucial time, as the US presidential election is approaching. While Kamala Harris has been officially selected as the Democratic nominee, speculation surrounds potential candidates for both parties. Although no meetings between Starmer and Harris have been announced, it’s expected she will join the bilateral talks with Biden. Additionally, there are no public plans for Starmer to meet Republican nominee Donald Trump, despite past meetings between UK Prime Ministers and US presidential candidates.
According to a statement from White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, the leaders will engage in “an in-depth discussion on a range of global issues of mutual interest.” The agenda includes critical issues such as efforts to secure hostage release and a ceasefire agreement to end the war in Gaza. The discussion will also delve into safeguarding international shipping in the Red Sea from Iranian-backed Houthi threats, promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific, and exploring ways to enhance US-UK collaboration on securing supply chains and boosting climate resilience.
Starmer’s visit to the White House follows his recent diplomatic efforts to recalibrate the UK’s ties with European leaders, including trips to Berlin and Paris. On Saturday, he will head to Dublin to meet with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris, marking the first official visit to Ireland by a UK prime minister in five years.
