SIR Keir Starmer finally spoke on the phone to Donald Trump last night hours after the President showered him with praise.
The PM and the Donald spoke for 45 minutes, covering trade, the economy and Britain’s plan to spark a bonfire of growth-impeding red tape.
2
Donald Trump has spoke on the phone with Sir Keir StarmerCredit: The Mega Agency
2
Keir Starmer sends congratulations to Donald Trump TwitterCredit: X
In his first call with a European leader, Trump discussed his love for the Royal Family and happiness at the return of British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari from Gaza’s terror dungeons.
The PM applauded the top deal broker for securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas – an issue his predecessor Joe Biden failed at for months.
The President also offered condolences to Sir Keir following the death of his brother.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his kind words and congratulated him on his inauguration.
“The two leaders stressed the importance of the close and warm ties between the UK and the US.
“They agreed to meet soon and looked forward to further discussions then.”
It came as before the call Trump gave the PM a surprise boost declaring he has done a “very good job thus far”.
The President confessed to having a “very good relationship” with Sir Keir, despite calls from his top ally and tech billionaire Elon Musk for the PM to resign.
On board the Presidential jet Air Force One, Trump said: “I get along with him well. I like him a lot.
“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.”
Asked on board the jet where he will make his first international trip of his second term, Trump responded: “It could be Saudi Arabia, it could be the UK. Traditionally it could be UK.
“Last time I went to Saudi Arabia because they agreed to buy $450 billion of American United States merchandise.”
Downing Street has gone to great lengths to try and woo the new President, as well as prevent a bombardment of tariffs on British goods.
Last week Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Sir Keir will travel to Washington to meet his counterpart “within the next few weeks”.