UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed his commitment to deepening the “special relationship” between the US and UK, following his first face-to-face summit with President Joe Biden at Nato’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Sir Keir said, “The special relationship is so important. It’s forged in difficult circumstances, endured for so long, and stronger now than ever.” The UK prime minister also took the opportunity to present President Biden with a personalised Arsenal football shirt featuring his name and the number 46, referencing him being the 46th President of the United States.
Nato’s meeting marked a pivotal moment for the military alliance, with further support for Ukraine agreed at their Washington summit. Sir Keir confirmed that the UK’s £3bn a year military aid to Kyiv would continue, and expressed his admiration for President Biden for hosting what he called “a bigger Nato, a stronger NATO and a Nato with the resolve that we need”. Sir Keir is also looking to establish a new security pact with EU nations to strengthen co-operation on defence.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy and UK Defence Secretary John Healey accompanied Sir Keir on his first overseas visit as prime minister. Mr Lammy met his US counterpart Antony Blinken, where the two discussed the need for a ceasefire in Gaza and assistance for Ukraine. Meanwhile, Mr Healey met with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.
Finally, both leaders found time to discuss football and exchange some banter at the summit. Sir Keir showed his enthusiasm, stating that he will be attending the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin on Sunday, following England’s 2-1 victory over the Netherlands in the semi-finals. President Biden remarked, “Good news indeed…It’s all because of the prime minister
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