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Despite ongoing public tensions between the UK prime minister and US President Donald Trump, an interesting dynamic appears to be developing between their respective deputies. While Trump frequently directs sharp criticisms at the prime minister, and Sir Keir Starmer has openly challenged the US president on various occasions, the relationship between their second-in-commands is notably more amicable and constructive.
David Lammy, currently serving as the UK’s deputy prime minister and justice secretary with responsibilities that include overseeing prisons in England and Wales, recently traveled to Washington. During his visit, he held separate 45-minute meetings at the White House with Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. These discussions centered on critical international issues, particularly conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine. Remarkably, although foreign affairs would traditionally fall under the remit of the foreign secretary—Yvette Cooper in this case—the government has prioritized Lammy’s direct connection with the US vice-president.
The friendship between Lammy and Vance is a relatively unusual but longstanding bond that dates back to when Lammy was an opposition MP and Vance had just been elected to the US Senate. This relationship has grown even closer, as evidenced last summer when Vance and his family stayed at Lammy’s official residence, Chevening, during their visit to the UK. Sharing an image of their recent handshake on the social platform X, Lammy underscored the importance of continuing the ceasefire and ensuring the free passage of shipping through the Straits of Hormuz, as well as their shared commitment to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the prime minister has reiterated his disapproval of Trump’s harsh rhetoric, specifically criticizing the US president’s recent threats toward Iran, which included the statement that a “whole civilisation will die tonight.” Sir Keir Starmer condemned this language in Parliament, emphasizing that targeting Iranian civilians is wrong and highlighting the suffering endured by these civilians under their regime. Starmer has also expressed frustration over the economic impact of geopolitical tensions involving both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The UK government has indicated it will not participate in America’s blockade of Iranian ports, highlighting clear policy differences despite the personal rapport between their deputies. From Downing Street’s perspective, maintaining the warm friendship between Lammy and Vance offers a valuable channel of communication, even as the higher-level relationship between the two national leaders remains noticeably strained
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