A UNITED States led by President Donald Trump is a “reliable ally”, Keir Starmer has said.
The Prime Minister made the claim at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday after a question from Ed Davey.
The Liberal Democrat leader told the Commons: “On Monday, the Prime Minister rightly said a minerals deal only was not a sufficient security guarantee for Ukraine.
“But since then, the Trump administration has said that a minerals deal is the only guarantee on the table and President Trump has removed military aid from Ukraine and said that the British cannot share American intelligence with Kyiv. Both those decisions mean more brave Ukrainians will die and further embolden Vladimir Putin."
He then asked: “So, can the Prime Minister tell the House, does he still believe that President Trump is a reliable ally, and if Ukraine does not get a sufficient security guarantee from this White House, what is the Prime Minister’s plan B?”
Starmer then replied that the UK works “very closely” with the United States on defence, security and intelligence.
He added: We have done for many, many years, we are intertwined, and of course they are a reliable ally. We are operating on basis day-in, day-out across the world, as he knows.”
The Prime Minister went on: “Our main focus, our only focus, is on a lasting peace in Ukraine. There are many moving parts, there are many discussions to be had, but what I’m doing is staying focused on what I think is the single most important outcome, which is a lasting peace in Ukraine which is good for Ukraine, for Europe, and of course essential for the United Kingdom.”
Keir Starmer also sought to downplay fears of the UK being drawn into conflict with Russia over any deployment of peacekeeping troops to Ukraine.
The Prime Minister was challenged by Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch to address concerns over the possibility of British troops being attacked – either directly by Russia or by proxies – if they are required in the event of a peace deal.
Starmer also said he is doing “everything he can” to ensure the US and Europe are “working together on lasting peace” for Ukraine, adding the UK “must not choose” between the two sides.
