Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has dismissed the notion that Britain must choose between strengthening its ties with the US or the European Union (EU) as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House.
Speaking at the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in London’s Guildhall, Starmer emphasised the UK’s commitment to maintaining robust alliances on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Against the backdrop of these dangerous times, the idea that we must choose between our allies, that somehow we’re with either America or Europe, is plain wrong,” he said. “I reject it utterly. Attlee did not choose between allies. Churchill did not choose. The national interest demands that we work with both.”
Starmer underscored the importance of global stability, noting that “there is no growth without security – and no security without alliances.” He reaffirmed Britain’s support for Ukraine against Russia, describing Moscow as “an erratic, increasingly desperate aggressor.”
With Trump’s potential policies raising concerns, including a possible trade war with Europe and reduced support for NATO and Ukraine, analysts have warned that Britain could face pressure to align more closely with either the US or the EU.
Earlier this month, Trump adviser Stephen Moore suggested that Washington would prioritise a trade deal with the UK if it distanced itself from Brussels.
Former UK ambassador to the US, Sir David Manning, highlighted the challenge of navigating these tensions, telling BBC Radio 4 that Trump’s presidency might require Britain to steer carefully between competing interests.
Despite these complexities, the UK PM expressed optimism about future relations with the US, recalling a September meeting with Trump in New York.
“The UK will invest more deeply than ever in this transatlantic bond with our American friends in the years to come,” he said.
Starmer also reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding ties with Europe, arguing that close cooperation with the EU is vital for Britain’s security and prosperity. Supporting Ukraine, he added, is in the UK’s “deep self-interest” as the battle for freedom in Europe unfolds.
Drawing historical parallels, Starmer invoked the legacy of post-war leaders Clement Attlee and Winston Churchill, who recognised the importance of strong alliances in securing Britain’s future.
“Now is the time to strengthen our security as the bedrock on which the economy rests – and the ultimate guarantor of everything we hold dear,” he declared.
However, Conservative Party co-chair Nigel Huddleston criticised the British government, accusing it of undermining the UK’s economic prospects and global standing.
“From driving business confidence to near-record lows, working people punished with a jobs tax, and a dash to surrender British interests overseas, it’s no wonder he’s been forced into a desperate reset,” Huddleston said.
The coming months could test Starmer’s diplomatic strategy, particularly if the US imposes tariffs on European goods or pressures Ukraine to make concessions, posing significant challenges for Britain’s foreign policy.
