‘Diplomatic work to do’ on relationship between UK and US, suggests Cleverly
‘Diplomatic work to do’ on relationship between UK and US, suggests Cleverly
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Former foreign secretary James Cleverly has suggested there is “diplomatic work to do” on the relationship between the UK and the US, after Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump spoke for the first time since the inauguration. The Prime Minister and US President Trump discussed the importance of “close, warm ties” between the two nations and agreed to meet “soon” in a call on Sunday, Downing Street said.
The talks, which lasted 45 minutes, also saw the two leaders discuss Gaza and the Middle East and was characterised as “warm and personal” by Government sources. Former foreign secretary Mr Cleverly said it is “good that Keir Starmer had an extended conversation with President Trump” but suggested there are “bridges that need to be rebuilt” after criticism of the US president from Labour figures including Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
He told Times Radio on Monday morning: “There is definitely work to do, diplomatic work to do because for a whole range of reasons, including defence and trade which are the headlines, we need to make sure our relationship with America and indeed President Trump works.
“So this is probably an important first step. There is going to be an awful lot of work to be done by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to rebuild what has been, I think, a foolish and unnecessary set of criticisms of the president of one of our closest allies in the world.”.
