Biden Extends Congratulations to Starmer and Reaffirms Strong US-UK Alliance

President Joe Biden confirmed the “special relationship” between the United States and the UK during his first official call with Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday, as reported by their respective offices.

President Biden praised Sir Keir on his appointment following Labour’s significant victory in the elections.

The two leaders also reiterated their commitment to working together to support freedom and democracy globally, according to a statement from the White House.

Both President Biden and Sir Keir expressed eagerness to collaborate on various issues, as mentioned by the White House and No. 10 Downing Street.

They discussed their dedication to aiding Ukraine in its conflict against Russia, protecting the achievements of the Good Friday Agreement, and striving for increased economic growth, based on information from the two offices.

Sir Keir also reaffirmed the UK’s dedication to partnerships with the United States, including participation in AUKUS—an Indo-Pacific security agreement involving Australia—and ensuring an open and free Indo-Pacific, as stated by Downing Street.

Sir Keir assumed office as the prime minister on Friday, marking the end of the Conservative rule in the UK that spanned 14 years.

This transpired after Labour secured 412 out of 650 seats in Parliament, with one seat yet to be declared as of Saturday morning.

Shortly after taking office at No. 10, Sir Keir is set to attend the NATO leaders’ summit in Washington next week, with discussions likely to focus on support for Ukraine.

Later in the month, Sir Keir will host European leaders in the UK during the European Political Community Summit at Blenheim Palace.

The Labour leader is expected to have individual meetings with both President Biden and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

President Biden, a Democrat, is seeking re-election for another term, with the 2024 elections scheduled for Nov. 5.

The outcome of this election, whether re-electing President Biden or former President Donald Trump, a Republican, will determine the next four-year term in the White House, commencing in January 2025.

Other Calls

Mr. Zelenskyy was one of the first world leaders Sir Keir conversed with on his first day in office.

The new prime minister assured the Ukrainian president that the change in government would not impact the UK’s support for Ukraine, promising continued defensive assistance, as disclosed by Downing Street.

Sir Keir had talks with leaders from Ireland, Italy, Poland, the European Union, and Canada, whom he will meet at the NATO summit and/or the European summit this month.

During his conversation with Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Simon Harris, Sir Keir expressed hope that the change in UK government would present an opportunity to reset relations between the neighboring countries.

He extended well wishes to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen for her upcoming parliamentary election, as she congratulated him on his electoral triumph.

The pair discussed areas of close collaboration including Ukraine’s support, climate change, regional security, emphasizing the crucial nature of the unique relationship between the UK and EU in addressing these issues, according to Downing Street.

In addition to support for Ukraine, Sir Keir highlighted cooperation on migration with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and on defense matters with Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

During a phone call between Sir Keir and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the leaders acknowledged the robust relationship between their respective countries and affirmed the importance of close collaboration on trade, security, and support for Ukraine, Downing Street stated.

PA Media contributed to this report.