PRIME MINISTER Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in Washington for high-level discussions with US President Donald Trump, in a visit that could shape the UK-US relationship for the next four years. The talks come amid growing tensions between the White House and Europe over Ukraine, with Sir Keir keen to secure a firm security guarantee for the war-torn nation.
Speaking at the British ambassador’s residence in Washington, Sir Keir sought to highlight the shared values between the UK and US.
“We want to work with you, we want to welcome you to Britain,” he stated. “We want a new partnership, because our history shows that when we work together, great things happen.”
Ahead of his meeting at the White House, Sir Keir dismissed concerns over the recent transatlantic tensions, insisting that the UK was working “in lockstep” with President Trump on Ukraine. When asked whether he trusted the US president given recent developments, he responded unequivocally: “Yes.”
“I’ve got a good relationship with him,” he added. “As you know, I’ve met him, I’ve spoken to him on the phone, and this relationship between our two countries is a special relationship with a long history, forged as we fought wars together and traded together. And as I say, I want it to go from strength to strength.”
However, even before Sir Keir’s arrival in Washington, the visit faced challenges. President Trump appeared to cast doubt on the prospect of a US military backstop for Ukraine as part of any peace deal—something both the UK and European allies have been strongly advocating.
“I’m not going to make security guarantees beyond very much,” Trump remarked during his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday. “We’re going to have Europe do that because Europe is the next-door neighbour.”
His comments contrasted with Sir Keir’s position. En route to Washington, the prime minister reiterated the necessity of a robust security guarantee for Ukraine.
“We all want a peaceful outcome,” he said. “It’s got to be a lasting peace, and that requires us to put in place an effective security guarantee. Exactly what the configuration of that is, exactly what the backstop is, is obviously the subject of intense discussion.
“But the reason I say the backstop is so important is that the security guarantee has to be sufficient to deter Putin from coming again. My concern is that if there is a ceasefire without a backstop, it will simply give him the opportunity to wait and return. His ambition in relation to Ukraine is, I think, clear for all to see.”
While European allies, including the UK and France, are preparing to deploy peacekeeping troops to monitor the Ukraine-Russia border, leaders have made it clear that US support is vital in containing President Putin. Securing that support remains one of the key objectives of Sir Keir’s trip.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also pushed for explicit US military backing as part of a broader agreement between Ukraine and the US on critical minerals. However, a framework agreed this week between the two nations did not include any direct commitment to such guarantees.
In an effort to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to European security and ease tensions with Washington, Sir Keir pledged to increase Britain’s defence spending—one of President Trump’s key demands for NATO members. He also reiterated his willingness to deploy British troops in Ukraine, positioning the UK as a crucial bridge between the US and Europe.
“When it comes to defence and security, we have for decades acted as a bridge because of the special relationship we have with the US and also our allegiance to our European allies,” he said. “I’ve been absolutely resolute that we’re not going to choose between one side of the Atlantic and the other. We will work with the US, we will work with our European allies. That’s what we’ve done for decades, and it’s what we’ll continue to do while I’m prime minister.”
Sir Keir also sought to reassure the British public about his decision to accelerate defence spending in response to Russian aggression, insisting that the move was aimed at ensuring national security while creating economic opportunities.
“I want to reassure the British public that what we’re doing is to ensure their safety, their security, and the defence of our country.”
He added: “This is also an opportunity. As we increase defence spending, it opens up possibilities for our industrial strategy, creating well-paid jobs in the defence sector across the UK.”
With tensions between the US and Europe over Ukraine still simmering, Sir Keir’s visit to Washington will be a crucial test of his diplomatic skills. His ability to secure a firm US commitment to European security could have lasting implications for both the UK’s global standing and the future of transatlantic relations.
