UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet US President Joe Biden at the White House next week, marking their second meeting since Starmer took office in July.
The meeting comes at a critical time as the two leaders are expected to address a range of international issues, with the ongoing Israel-Hamas war taking center stage.
The White House confirmed the visit on Friday, noting that the leaders would engage in “an in-depth discussion on a range of global issues of mutual interest.”
Divergence over Israel-Hamas conflict
The meeting is set against the backdrop of diverging policies between the US and the UK on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Earlier this week, Starmer’s government made headlines by announcing the suspension of certain arms export licenses to Israel.
This decision followed a review by the UK government, which suggested potential breaches of international humanitarian law by Israel.
The suspension was one of the first significant moves by the UK to distance itself from Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
In contrast, the Biden administration has maintained its strong support for Israel, while acknowledging the UK’s decision and the legal framework guiding it.
This policy variance between the two allies is unusual, given their historically aligned stances on major geopolitical issues.
It remains to be seen how this divergence will impact broader discussions, particularly as the conflict in Gaza intensifies.
Starmer has also taken additional steps, including restoring funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which provides support to Palestinian refugees, and revising the UK’s position on arrest warrants against Israeli leaders.
These moves signal a recalibration of the UK’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, which may be a focal point in the upcoming discussions with Biden.
Talking points: Ukraine, Iran, and Indo-Pacific cooperation
Aside from the Israel-Hamas conflict, the leaders are expected to address several other pressing global issues.
According to the White House, the meeting will include discussions on securing a ceasefire deal in Gaza, as well as continuing robust support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Both the US and the UK have been strong supporters of Ukraine, and this meeting is likely to reinforce their commitment to aid the war-torn country.
Tensions in the Red Sea, particularly the threat posed by Iranian-backed Houthi forces to international shipping, will also feature prominently on the agenda.
In recent months, the US has increased its military presence in the region to deter Houthi attacks on oil tankers and other vessels.
Strengthening the UK’s role in safeguarding maritime security could be a key point of discussion.
Additionally, Biden and Starmer are expected to explore opportunities for deeper cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, focusing on ensuring a “free and open” environment that counters growing Chinese influence.
This aligns with broader US efforts to build alliances in the Indo-Pacific, as part of its strategy to maintain regional stability.
Strengthening the US-UK relationship
Despite the differences in policy over the Israel-Hamas war, the meeting between Starmer and Biden will likely reaffirm the strength of the US-UK relationship.
The White House has emphasized that the two leaders will explore ways to “secure supply chains and increase climate resilience,” issues that have taken on heightened importance amid global economic uncertainty and rising environmental concerns.
President Biden is expected to underscore the importance of the “special relationship” between the two nations, particularly as both countries face a range of common challenges on the global stage.
This meeting comes as Starmer has been making concerted efforts to build stronger international ties since becoming prime minister.
His recent visits to Berlin and Paris, followed by upcoming talks with Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris in Dublin, reflect his broader strategy of recalibrating the UK’s foreign relations post-Brexit.
UK’s wider diplomatic reset
Starmer’s international engagements, particularly in Europe, signal a significant shift in the UK’s approach to diplomacy.
After years of strained relations with the European Union following Brexit, Starmer appears to be focusing on mending ties with key EU nations.
His meeting with Irish leader Simon Harris is part of this wider diplomatic reset, with discussions expected to center on trade, security, and the UK’s future relationship with the EU.
This approach stands in stark contrast to the policies of his predecessor, who prioritized a harder stance on Brexit.
Starmer’s outreach to EU leaders, along with his scheduled visit to the White House, suggests that he is aiming to strike a balance between solidifying ties with both the US and the EU.
As Sir Keir Starmer prepares to visit the White House next week, his meeting with President Biden will be a pivotal moment in US-UK relations.
With the Gaza conflict, Ukraine war, and maritime security among the major topics, the discussions are expected to cover a broad spectrum of global issues.
The policy divergence on Israel could be a test for the relationship, but the two leaders are likely to emphasize cooperation on key areas such as climate resilience and supply chain security.
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