Trump and Starmer’s ‘warm’ phone call didn’t discuss Ukraine, Chagos, Mandelson, tariffs, defence or Greenland
Trump and Starmer’s ‘warm’ phone call didn’t discuss Ukraine, Chagos, Mandelson, tariffs, defence or Greenland
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The call between Trump and Starmer on Sunday was described by Sir Keir’s as “very warm and constructive” - but perhaps because the two world leaders avoided all the many issues of contention between them. Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump avoided all the awkward issues they need to resolve when the US president made his first call to the prime minister on Sunday, it is understood.
![[A decision will be made on Lord Mandelson’s credentials as ambassador this week (Jonathan Brady/PA)]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/20/19/f5293955564bdce401b8b64f54e8f0c0Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzM3NDg3NjM4-2.78536288.jpg)
In particular, the thorny issue of whether Trump will accept Lord Mandelson as the prime minister’s nomination of UK ambassador to the US was not broached as the two men discussed trade, the Royal family and the peace deal in the Middle East. It is understood that Lord Mandelson was in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for meetings on Monday, with President Trump expected to make a decision on whether to accept his credentials as ambassador this week.
But Trump team sources have said he is minded to reject the credentials because of Mandelson’s support for an open relationship with China, his previous role as an EU commissioner and his close ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Also not mentioned was the ongoing row over Sir Keir’s attempts to hand the Chagos Islands - where the joint UK/ US air base on Diego Garcia is located - to Mauritius. Trump has been taking advice from Brexiteers in the UK and is considering blocking the deal.
Added to that the threat of tariffs from the US was not discussed nor were Mr Trump’s plans for Ukraine amid fears he is about to pull military and financial aid for the war against Russia. Defence as a subject did not come up nor did Mr Trump’s attempts to force Nato ally Denmark to hand over Greenland.
