What’s next for the ‘special relationship’ after Sir Keir Starmer’s victory? | US News

There has been significant activity in Number 10 as the newest advisers work on revising the briefing notes regarding the “special relationship”.

The situation is awkward.

When the prime minister arrives in Washington DC this week for NATO’s 75th anniversary summit, he will find himself in the midst of a US political drama with an uncertain outcome.

Joe Biden is hosting the prime minister, but for how long? There are doubts about whether Mr. Biden will last until next week, let alone until November’s election.

The complex US brief necessitates diplomacy involving Biden, the potential Democratic successor, and the potential Republican successor, Donald Trump.

For Starmer, a Trump 2.0 presidency would be challenging.

The new PM’s alignment with the current White House stance on Gaza, Ukraine, and NATO will complicate discussions with Team Trump, as will the UK’s stance on China.

Aside from the policy issues, there is also the matter of political ideology.

UK-US relations have historically been based on shared democratic values and principles, which have been the foundation of the bond between the two countries.

If Trump is re-elected, this bond will face a test that Starmer would prefer to avoid.

Regardless of the leadership change in Number 10, the strength of the special relationship will ultimately depend on the American side.

That much remains unchanged.