Despite their ideological differences, one thing Trump and Starmer share is a complacent satisfaction with the recent ceasefire in Gaza. During a phone call on 26 January, Starmer commended Trump for his “role in securing the landmark ceasefire and hostages deal in Gaza.” The world is rightfully celebrating the news of a temporary peace, but for Western political leaders to treat this as a victory of their own making, having concern neither for their own complicity nor Israel’s refusal to fully withdraw from the West Bank after the ceasefire began, is thoroughly disappointing. The focus should be on what comes next, given that the ceasefire deal promises Israel the US’s full support to continue the war should the next phase of negotiations fail.
For Starmer, though, the issue of Palestine doesn’t seem to be a top priority. As Trump takes office, Downing Street is banking on the so-called “special relationship” to obscure the ideological disparities between the two governments. Commending Trump on the ceasefire deal – despite some terms being established months ago during Joe Biden’s presidency – seems merely a formality enacted by Starmer to maintain that relationship. The two are on relatively good terms, on the face of it at least: in an interview on 25 January, Trump called Starmer a “very good guy” and said, “I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him.”
However, it’ll take more on Starmer’s part to indulge Trump than calling him a “good guy.” Several factors are threatening to interfere, not least the T-word (tariffs). So far, the White House’s post-phone call statement only vaguely noted the leaders’ commitments to promoting “a fair bilateral economic relationship.” There’s no telling what could change with Trump, as tariffs begin to be imposed on Canada, Mexico, and China.
There’s also the increasingly problematic presence of those more politically aligned with Trump than Starmer. Reform party leader Nigel Farage, for one, is attempting to grow his influence both at home and within Trump’s cabinet. His presence was notable at Trump’s recent inauguration, where Starmer was absent (though it is not custom for the PM to attend). Also present was Elon Musk – currently a threat to many, but especially to Starmer’s relationship with Trump; Musk has promoted Reform and personally attacked Starmer on X.
It’s already clear that Trump 2.0 will be different. The finalisation of the ceasefire deal as his second term begins seems more to do with his tendency to cut foreign aid than any commitment to peace. Starmer’s willingness to appease Trump, in spite of their differing aims, goes to show that he ultimately needs the US more than the US needs him.
“Prime Minister Keir Starmer heads to Washington D.C.” by UK Prime Minister is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.