Keir Starmer urged Donald Trump to ‘deepen’ the Special Relationship today amid fears the incoming president’s tough trade tactics will hammer the UK economy.
The PM sent his congratulations in a gushing statement overnight, insisting the Transatlantic ties are built on ‘unshakeable foundations’.
Meanwhile, there are claims that senior Royals could be deployed on a tour of the US to help foster good relations.
But there are concerns about the huge political gulf between Labour and the new White House – while Mr Trump’s vow to impose ‘beautiful’ tariffs could crush Sir Keir’s hopes of boosting growth.
Some forecasters believe the commander-in-chief’s policies will leave the UK economy 0.9 per cent smaller it would have been by 2029. House of Commons Library estimates suggest that would mean defence spending being £2billion lower.
Mr Trump spent the eve of the inauguration at a rally, where he declared his supporters had ‘built a new American majority that will lead our country to success for generations to come’.
UK politicians including Nigel Farage, Liz Truss and Suella Braverman are in Washington DC ahead of the ceremonies. Sir Keir is not there, with Downing Street stressing that is in keeping with long-standing precedent.
Rumours have been swirling over whether Mr Trump will seek to punish Sir Keir for Labour activists going to the US to campaign for his Democrat rival Kamala Harris.
There have even been suggestions that the nomination of Lord Mandelson as the UK’s ambassador could be vetoed – although ministers have played down the prospect.
No10 will be hoping for an early invite to the White House for Sir Keir, while a second state visit to Britain for Mr Trump could be on the cards.
But other potential flashpoints include Labour’s plan to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, and whether he maintains support for Ukraine in the war against Russia.
In his message, Sir Keir dropped a heavy hint that he wants to pursue a Transatlantic trade deal, something that was being intensely negotiated during the last Trump administration.
‘For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond,’ Sir Keir said.
‘Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity.’
The Prime Minister and the president-elect met in New York in September at Trump Tower, ahead of the US election, and at the time Sir Keir said he is a ‘great believer in personal relations on the international stage’.
Sir Keir added: ‘Since our first meeting in September, the President and I have spoken about the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship.
‘We will continue to build upon the unshakeable foundations of our historic alliance as we tackle together the global challenges we face and take our partnership to the next level focused on shared opportunities ahead for growth.
‘I look forward to our next meeting as we continue our shared mission to ensure the peace, prosperity and security of our two great nations.
‘The special relationship between the United Kingdom and United States will continue to flourish for years to come.’