Keir Starmer faces mounting calls to challenge President Donald Trump’s “torrent of lies” when he visits the United States next week. The pressure comes as the US president accused Britain of “doing nothing” to end the war in Ukraine, sparking global criticism over his stance on the conflict.
With growing concerns over the stability of the transatlantic alliance, Starmer has been urged to address Trump’s controversial statements in the “strongest possible terms” when they meet on American soil. The demand follows Trump’s widely condemned claim that Kyiv initiated the war and his description of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator.”
In his latest remarks, Trump stated that “nobody’s done anything” to stop the conflict after the US launched peace talks with Russia that excluded Ukraine.
While Starmer has reaffirmed his support for Ukraine and Zelensky as its democratically elected leader, many believe he must take a firmer stance against Trump’s rhetoric.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey insisted, “It’s time for Starmer to stand up for Britain and our allies in Europe.” He warned that Trump’s words “could have been written in Moscow” and declared, “Trump accusing Ukraine of being responsible for the war must be where we draw the line.”
Former Conservative defence secretary Sir Gavin Williamson also weighed in, emphasizing that “we cannot let fake news and a false narrative become accepted.”
The urgency of a strong response has been echoed by Alastair Campbell, former communications director for Tony Blair, who accused Trump of fostering an affinity for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Campbell described Trump as a “pathological liar, a narcissist” and said he is “concerned only about himself, his wealth, and his power.” He further claimed that Trump has unleashed a “torrent of lies” about the Ukraine conflict.
However, some caution against an overly confrontational approach. Jack Straw, former Labour home secretary, and foreign secretary, advised against mere “virtue signalling” when engaging with Trump. Instead, he urged the UK government to build on existing diplomatic ties with the Republican administration rather than resorting to public posturing.
Concerns Over Transatlantic Relations
Amid increasing doubts over the future of US-Europe relations, Sir Ed Davey urged Starmer to acknowledge that Trump is “no longer a reliable partner in Ukraine or Europe’s defence.” He called on Britain to boost defence spending beyond 2.5% of GDP, warning that a weakened commitment from the US could leave European nations vulnerable.
Adding to the concerns, former Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable highlighted the potential risks posed by Trump’s foreign policy direction. He argued that the US under Trump “in many ways is a bigger threat to [Britain] than traditional threats,” citing the president’s public alignment with Putin. Cable warned that Trump’s latest remarks have placed Britain in “an extraordinarily difficult position” and have made Western nations appear “absolutely ridiculous.”
He stressed the need for the UK to strengthen its partnerships with European allies to develop independent defence capabilities. “We’ve been spending three years giving support to Ukraine, and now suddenly, we’re told we’re on the wrong side,” he remarked.
The pressure on Starmer is intensifying as he seeks to balance relations between Europe and the US. His meeting with Trump presents a crucial diplomatic test, as the prime minister must navigate an increasingly strained transatlantic relationship while ensuring the UK does not alienate key European partners.
Anand Sundar, an analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR), warned that Europe must “no longer harbour any illusions about the transatlantic relationship, which has been irreparably damaged.” With growing uncertainty surrounding US commitments to Europe, Britain finds itself at a critical juncture, forced to redefine its role in global security.
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