Sir Keir Starmer sent congratulations to Donald Trump ahead of his inauguration as president on Monday saying the UK and US will “continue to build on the unbreakable foundations of our historic alliance”.
The Prime Minister said they would “tackle “global challenges” and “focus on shared opportunities for growth”, adding that “the special relationship between the UK and the US will continue to flourish in the years to come”.
A Treasury minister previously said the UK government was optimistic about the chances of a good relationship with the incoming US administration, highlighting the “opportunities” around a potential post-Brexit trade deal.
However, UK reform leader Nigel Farage has claimed Sir Keir is in a “weak” negotiating position due to his desire to strengthen ties with the EU at the same time as the US.
Before the US elections, Sir Keir and Trump meet in New York at Trump Tower.
In a statement on Sunday, Sir Keir said: “Since our first meeting in September, the President and I have spoken about the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship.”
Sir Keir said: “I look forward to our next meeting as we continue our shared mission to ensure the peace, prosperity and security of our two great nations.”
He said: “For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership. “It is a uniquely close bond.”
He added that “the depth of friendship will continue on the other side of the Atlantic.”
Trump’s threat to impose tariffs and what his return to Washington could mean for US support for Ukraine could be among the first issues raised during his second term.
Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Treasury Chief Secretary Darren Jones Jones suggested the UK could sidestep Trump’s promise to impose a 20% tax on all imports to the US because it did not is in a “trade deficit”, adding that ministers have “prepared for all scenarios”.
He said the government “needs to see what the Trump administration does,” but also that Trump is “well known for wanting to get a good deal.”
Meanwhile, speaking to the BBC from Washington, where she is attending Trump’s inauguration, shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said there was “hope for his administration”.
“We need to continue to build on that and at a time when our world is facing so many global challenges… we need to make sure that our strongest and closest ally is really keeping pace with us,” he said.
Patel continued: “From Britain’s perspective, it also means reopening discussions around a trade deal.”
Farage said the government needs to “think outside the box” when dealing with the Trump administration.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s The Westminster Hour, Farage said: “I think what this government does is what all governments do: they stick to established, establishment methods of appointing people.
“This guy (Trump) does business differently than anyone we’ve seen before in international politics.”
Farage, a longtime Trump supporter, previously offered to act as a go-between in negotiations with the president-elect, but has so far been rebuffed by the government.
“They don’t think they need me, but before long they may find out that maybe they do,” he said.
Separately, Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said Trump’s return to the White House would be “deeply worrying for millions of people in the UK and around the world.”
“With a president who promises trade wars, undermines NATO and praises Vladimir Putin, the threats to our national security and our economy are clear,” he said.
