Starmer and Trump stress ‘close ties’ in first phone call since inauguration

Sir Keir Starmer has paid tribute to Donald Trump for his “role in securing the landmark ceasefire and hostages deal in Gaza” during the first call between the two leaders since the presidential election in which they “stressed the importance of the close and warm ties” between Britain and the US and agreed to meet soon.

The call on Sunday, which lasted 45 minutes and covered issues including trade and the economy, is the first between the two leaders since the US president’s inauguration on January 20.

It came hours after Trump praised the Prime Minister for having done “a very good job thus far” and and said they had “very good relationship”.

The call opened with Trump expressing his condolences for the death of Starmer’s brother, Nick, who died on Boxing Day.

Among the subjects discussed were the release of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, the Middle East, and Trump’s regard for the British royal family.

In a readout of the call, a Number 10 spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister spoke to President Trump on Sunday.

“President Trump opened by sending his condolences to the Prime Minister on the loss of his brother. The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his kind words and congratulated him on his inauguration.

“The Prime Minister paid tribute to President Trump’s role in securing the landmark ceasefire and hostages deal in Gaza.

“The president welcomed the release of Emily Damari and sent his best wishes to her family.

“They discussed the importance of working together for security in the Middle East.”

It comes amid concerns about the prospect of global tariffs and a changed US policy on Ukraine under the new administration.

Downing Street said the two leaders also discussed trade and the economy, “with the Prime Minister setting out how we are deregulating to boost growth”.

“The two leaders stressed the importance of the close and warm ties between the UK and the US, and the president spoke of his respect and affection for the royal family.

“They agreed to meet soon and looked forward to further discussions then.”

Starmer said he looked forward to meeting Donald Trump to “strengthen the close ties between our countries”.

The Prime Minister said in a post on X: “I spoke with (President Donald Trump) today and congratulated him on his inauguration.

“I thanked him for his kind words on the loss of my brother. We discussed the importance of working together for security in the Middle East, for trade and economic growth.

“I look forward to meeting soon to strengthen the close ties between our countries.”

Earlier on Sunday, Trump had raised the prospect of a state visit to Britain.

While on board the presidential plane, Air Force One, he was asked where he might visit for his first international trip as president.

He said: “It could be Saudi Arabia, it could be UK. Traditionally it could be UK.”

The phone call came after Trump offered warm words for Starmer despite a series of attacks from X owner Elon Musk, a key member of the president’s inner circle.

The tech entrepreneur has used his platform to criticise the Prime Minister and safeguarding minister Jess Phillips over the issue of grooming gangs.

But the president told reporters on Air Force One that he and Starmer “get along well” despite the difference in their political views, and that they were due to have a call this weekend.

“I like him a lot,” Trump said.

“He’s liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he’s a very good person and I think he’s done a very good job thus far.

“He’s represented his country in terms of philosophy.

“I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him.”

Additional reporting by agencies