On Wednesday, United States President Joe Biden backed British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s plan to build stronger ties with European leaders during their meeting in the Oval Office of the White House. The presidents discussed Gaza and Ukraine’s crises, US-UK ties, and England’s recent win in the Euro 2024 semi-finals.
According to a UK government statement, “The President welcomed the prime minister’s recent comments on establishing closer relationships with our European counterparts, as well as the UK’s commitment to AUKUS.” They agreed that confronting global issues requires cooperation and solidarity.
While attending the NATO summit in Washington, Starmer also had meetings with European leaders, including Olaf Scholz of Germany. To improve commercial and security cooperation and ease tensions that emerged after the Brexit referendum in 2016, his goal is to reset Britain’s relations with the European Union. However, Starmer has said that coming back into the customs union or single market is not happening.
In addition to talking about their shared desire for a ceasefire in Gaza to permit hostage releases, provide relief, and move towards a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, both presidents vowed steadfast support for Ukraine in its battle with Russia.
