A forthcoming book by a leading political journalist claims that Sir Keir Starmer's premiership was overshadowed by the challenge of managing relations with Donald Trump, with the UK prime minister reportedly developing a secret plan to establish a British military base in Ukraine.
Starmer's Trump Challenge
According to the book, titled Starmer: The Making of a Prime Minister by Robert Peston, Starmer's team was consumed by the need to navigate Trump's unpredictable behaviour. The book alleges that Starmer considered the US president a significant threat to European security and the global order.
Secret Ukraine Base Plan
Peston writes that Starmer authorised a covert plan to build a UK military base in western Ukraine, intended to serve as a training hub and a signal of long-term British commitment to Kyiv. The plan was kept from Trump, who had threatened to reduce US support for Ukraine. The book suggests that Starmer feared Trump would view the base as provocative.
Impact on UK-US Relations
The book details how Starmer's team worked to avoid direct confrontations with Trump while pursuing policies that sometimes ran counter to US interests. A senior Downing Street source is quoted saying, "Every major decision had to be filtered through the question: how will Trump react?" This dynamic reportedly caused delays and frustration within the UK government.
Starmer's Response
A spokesperson for Sir Keir Starmer declined to comment on the specific claims, stating that the prime minister does not discuss private national security matters. However, the book claims that Starmer himself acknowledged the strain, telling aides, "Dealing with Trump is like trying to reason with a hurricane."
Broader Context
The revelations come amid ongoing debate about the UK's post-Brexit foreign policy alignment. The book suggests that Starmer's approach was to maintain a close but cautious relationship with the US while bolstering European defence partnerships. The secret Ukraine base plan, if confirmed, would represent a significant shift in UK military posture.
Peston's book is due to be published next week and is expected to spark further discussion about the UK's role on the global stage.
