Starmer says Trump wants to ‘stay in touch’ after he steps down
Summary
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump agreed to keep in touch after Starmer steps down from his position. They discussed the importance of the UK-US strategic relationship and defense spending at a NATO summit in Turkey, despite recent disagreements.Key Facts
- President Trump and Prime Minister Starmer met at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
- Trump thanked the UK for its material contributions to NATO defense spending over many years.
- The UK ranks 12th out of 32 NATO members in defense spending as a share of its economy, but second in actual defense spending over the last decade.
- Trump previously criticized the UK and Starmer, calling the UK a “deindustrialised welfare zone” and blaming Starmer’s leadership.
- Starmer said they have “got along really well” over the longer term and agreed to stay in touch after Starmer leaves office.
- Starmer declined to comment on running for NATO secretary general and focused on his current duties.
- Starmer warned against changing fiscal rules to increase defense spending due to concerns over government borrowing costs.
- UK defense officials said the next prime minister might consider new ways, including war bonds, to increase funding for defense.
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