For many months, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had a more than good relationship with Donald Trump. At the end of February 2025, the US president enthusiastically welcomed the center-left politician to the Oval Office, and a few months later he made a successful visit to the UK. It was Starmer who managed to reach a quick trade agreement with Washington, which guaranteed lower tariffs for Great Britain than for the European Union. — It's no secret that we come from two different political traditions. But we have a lot in common, Trump emphasized then.
Currently it seems that these common points no longer exist. Over the weekend, the US president published a tirade against the British on Truth Social. “Britain, once our great ally, perhaps our greatest ally, is finally seriously considering sending two aircraft carriers to the Middle East. All right, Prime Minister Starmer, we don't need them anymore – but we'll remember that. We don't need people who go to war only after we've already won it!” A few days earlier, Trump mocked that Starmer “is not Winston Churchill”.
Trump has a grudge against Starmer because the British prime minister initially did not want to allow the American armed forces to use bases on British territory after launching attacks on Iran. Starmer changed his mind shortly afterwards and agreed, but only “for defensive purposes”. A few days later, the British Ministry of Defense confirmed that one of the two aircraft carriers was being prepared for the mission, but did not specify the location of the mission.
The historically close relationship between Downing Street and the White House has traditionally been a valuable asset to any British government. But for Starmer, who is struggling with serious internal problems, the dispute with Trump fell out of the sky for him. Only a quarter of UK voters support the US-Israeli war against Iran, while 49% support the US-Israel war against Iran. is against it. Among Labor voters, the figure is 56%.
The article continues below the video
In addition, there is the memory of Great Britain's role in the Iraq War in 2003. At that time, millions of Britons took to the streets to demonstrate against their country's participation in the war, which was supported by then Prime Minister Tony Blair.
While Germany and France did not take part in this “adventure”, as then-SPD chancellor Gerhard Schroeder called the mission, Blair led his nation into a war that its citizens did not want.
Not only the death of 179 soldiers remains a dark chapter to this day in recent British history. Many Britons also believe that Blair treated then-US President George W. Bush like a “docile dog” and forced the nation into a long-term conflict based on invented threat scenarios.
“Really Good Conflict”
Several anonymous Labor MPs told British media that Starmer, while opposing Trump's actions, found himself in a “really good conflict” politically. — Arguing with Trump without starting one is helpful, said one MP, quoted by The i Paper, referring to Trump's unpopularity among the British public. Labor must “engage in more conflict” to “show the public which side it is on – and which side it is not on”.
US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during the Gaza Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, October 13, 2025.Evan Vucci / POOL / AFP / AFP
Starmer's cabinet has apparently been instructed to maintain tensions with Washington. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended Starmer on BBC television on Sunday. She assessed that the Prime Minister “rightly defended Great Britain and British interests.”
Meanwhile, the British armed forces have strengthened their involvement in the war with Iran to protect British positions and citizens in the region. Four additional Typhoon aircraft have arrived in Qatar. The Merlin helicopter, capable of identifying threats from the air, was en route to Cyprus on Sunday when it was attacked by a drone.
Tensions between historical allies they also cast a shadow on an important eventwhich is scheduled to take place next month. King Charles III is scheduled to arrive in the United States in April to celebrate the 250th anniversary of US independence with Trump. In Great Britain, more and more people are demanding that the monarch cancel his visit due to the war in Iran.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
