Asked whether the UK government agreed with Mr Trump’s decision to contact Mr Putin", Ms Phillipson said: "It will require negotiation with the Russians through part of the settlement, so I do think that is the right approach.
Asked whether the prime minister would tell Mr Trump Britain will spend "much more" on defence amid US demands for Europe to shoulder more of the burden over its own security, Ms Phillipson said: "We will be spending much more on defence, and our allies need to step up alongside that.
Asked whether the relationship between the UK and US was "not that special" given other European leaders were meeting Mr Trump before Sir Keir's trip, telling Sky's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme: "I don't think that really matters.
Donald Trump was right to bring Russia to the negotiating table over the Ukraine war, the education secretary has said as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to head to the White House for crunch talks.
Sir Keir is also expected to confirm a timeline to raise Britain’s defence spending from 2.3 to 2.5 per cent of GDP when he visits Washington, as well as giving Mr Trump an invitation for a state visit from the King.
