The rare behind-the-scenes clip of a phone call between a PM and US President shows Keir Starmer being connected to Joe Biden on Air Force One via the White House situation room
PM Keir Starmer shares phone call with US President Biden
Keir Starmer has shared a clip of the US President Joe Biden congratulating him on Labour’s “hell of a victory” at the General Election.
The rare behind-the-scenes clip of a phone call between a PM and US President shows Mr Starmer being connected to Air Force One via the White House situation room. Answering the call, which took place shortly after Mr Starmer entered No10 on Friday, Mr Biden says: “Mr Prime Minister, congratulations. What a hell of a victory. Congratulations.
The new PM responds: “Thank you, Mr President. It’s been a long night and day. I’ve been busy appointing my Cabinet during the course of this afternoon”.
Mr Starmer will meet the US President later this week at the NATO summit in Washington in his first outing on the world stage since Labour’s thumping election victory.
He told the American leader: “Fortuitously, we will see each other next week. I’m very much looking forward to seeing you in Washington and having the opportunity to sit down properly”.
Mr Biden added: “I look forward to it as well. There’s no doubt under your leadership our two countries are going to continue the special relationship.We’re working together on just about every issue, supporting Ukraine, managing the competition with China, advancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific with AUKUS.”
On Friday a Downing Street spokesman said: “The leaders discussed their shared commitment to the special relationship between the UK and US, and their aligned ambitions for greater economic growth. Discussing geopolitical challenges, the leaders reiterated their steadfast commitment to Ukraine and the Prime Minister underscored that the UK’s support for Ukraine was unwavering.
“The Prime Minister said he looked forward to working side by side across the breadth of the relationship, including the AUKUS partnership and ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific. The leaders reflected on their shared commitment to protecting the gains of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement.
“The Prime Minister and President looked forward to seeing each other at the NATO Summit in Washington next week.”
