In their first bilateral talks at the White House, President Joe Biden expressed his support for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s vision of a closer relationship with the European Union, emphasizing the importance of the transatlantic partnership. Biden highlighted the UK as the “knot” that binds the alliance together and suggested that closer ties with Europe would strengthen this bond.
Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to NATO and Ukraine, committing to ongoing military support for Kyiv in its conflict with Russia. The leaders discussed the possibility of an EU-UK security pact, with Starmer working to build relationships with European leaders.
During their meeting, Starmer congratulated Biden on hosting the 75th NATO summit, praising the alliance’s strength and resolve. The leaders discussed the special relationship between the US and UK and exchanged thoughtful gifts, including an Arsenal shirt for Biden.
Despite questions about Biden’s health and the upcoming US election, the meeting demonstrated the enduring strength of the transatlantic alliance and the special relationship between the two countries.