Keir Starmer is scheduled for an inaugural meeting with Joe Biden at the White House amidst his attendance of a significant NATO summit featuring world leaders. The US President's press secretary confirmed Wednesday would host discussions between the two officials, as Starmer endeavors to reinforce the enduring partnership with America despite recent changes in UK governance.
Starmer’s inaugural interaction with Biden is anticipated but may require thoughtful orchestration due to ongoing speculation concerning the US President's health and age. With just four days following a landmark electoral win, Starmer will also leverage his initial international venture to underscore Britain's steadfast dedication to Ukraine during an era marked by uncertainty ahead of the forthcoming US presidential election.
The potential return of Donald Trump could overshadow the summit proceedings. Starmer is expected to converse with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy outside the main event, having met with him previously at D-Day ceremonies during the general election period.
UK's new Defence Secretary John Healey visited Ukraine earlier this week and committed to providing additional armaments for Kyiv while advocating for expedited delivery of pre-existing military aid pledges. During the electoral campaign, Starmer vowed longstanding financial support for Ukraine post Rishi Sunak's announcement of a £3bn annual investment in military aid; he also urged NATO members to mirror this commitment.
Labour has committed to dedicating 2.5% of GDP toward defence spending, though it lacks an exact timeline beyond the promise that fiscal capacity will permit when the economic climate is conducive for such a move – a point Alan West, a former Royal Navy admiral and Labour peer, believes is insufficient in deterring potential aggressions from adversaries like Putin. Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, the ex-army chief, advocates for an increased commitment closer to 3% of GDP.
Amidst political uncertainty within Europe – notably France's Emmanuel Macron opting for early elections and Hungary's Viktor Orbán seeking peace discussions with Vladimir Putin in Moscow – the summit will honor NATO's 75th anniversary, marking Sweden's recent accession to the alliance following Russia’s incursion into Ukraine.
As he engages with his fellow leaders at the NATO summit, Starmer aims to reassure his party's allies of Labour's unwavering support in light of former leader Jeremy Corbyn's past statements regarding international organizations like NATO and their perceived potential to exacerbate global conflicts.
A previously released clip features the new prime minister conversing with Biden, marking it his inaugural phone call after assuming office. President Biden acknowledged Starmer’s victory, expressing congratulations over a connection linked to Air Force One. The White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that during their dialogue, the focus would be on strengthening the enduring relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom as well as discussing various global issues such as maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region, achieving a ceasefire in Gaza, preventing Iran's nuclear armament, and safeguarding commercial maritime activities from Houthi attacks.
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