Starmer in Washington Calls for 'New Cooperation' Between Britain and the U.S.

Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of Britain, arrived in Washington on Wednesday to meet with Donald Trump, the President of the United States. Starmer, who is scheduled to meet Mr. Trump at the White House on Thursday, March 9, emphasized the 'commonalities' between Britain and the U.S. after attending the residence of the British ambassador in Washington, stating briefly: 'We want a new cooperation because our history shows that when we work together, great things happen.' In his meeting with Donald Trump, Starmer is expected to discuss the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and bilateral trade relations. This meeting comes amid Trump's tariff threats against Europe. Trump, who has urged NATO members to raise their defense spending to 5% of their GDP, reiterated his stance that Europe must 'step up.' On Wednesday at the White House, he told reporters that American taxpayers 'should not pay more than Europeans do.' On Tuesday, in an effort to please Trump, Starmer announced an unexpected increase in Britain's defense budget to 2.5% of the country's GDP by 2027, and then to 2.6% the following year. Starmer told members of the British Parliament that 'this week, when I meet with President Trump, I will clearly state that I want this relationship to grow stronger every day,' emphasizing what he calls 'the most important bilateral alliance' with the United States. The British Prime Minister also told reporters on Tuesday that the increase in defense spending 'has been in the works for three years' and was shaped after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He acknowledged that the decision to increase defense spending was accelerated by Trump's actions to negotiate with Moscow without the involvement of Ukraine or Europeans, as well as the reduced U.S. support for European security. Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of Britain, has previously stated that his country will strive to maintain the unity between the United States and Europe and that internal disagreements should not distract them from focusing on 'external enemies.' The travel of the U.S. Secretary of Defense to Belgium to meet with NATO officials is also notable. Starmer: As a security guarantee, Britain is willing to send forces to Ukraine. Starmer: Britain is working to maintain U.S.-European unity. Zelensky: Europe must form a unified military force and become self-sufficient. The U.S.: The responsibility for defending Europe primarily lies with Europeans. Emphasis by the U.S. Secretary of Defense in Germany: Washington will not leave its allies alone. The U.S. Secretary of Defense is heading to Europe to participate in NATO and Ukraine meetings.