President Trump has publicly criticised Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the UK several times in recent days, often in blunt terms. That sustained attention is awkward for Starmer, but Downing Street and Whitehall officials say it isn’t necessarily damaging to his position.
At the heart of the disagreement are different recollections of recent phone conversations between the leaders: what Washington asked for and what London said it could provide. Downing Street has avoided an outright public row with the White House, while officials here argue the US president has confused some details.
Whitehall sources say there was never a US request for UK aircraft carriers, nor an offer from London to send them. They point out carriers provide a runway at sea, but the UK already has nearby land facilities such as RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. Officials also summarise three formal US requests: permission to use UK airfields for initial strikes (which was refused); permission to use those airfields defensively after Iran struck neighbouring states (which was granted); and help securing the Strait of Hormuz for tanker traffic (still under discussion).
Westminster figures dispute Mr Trump’s depiction of Starmer insisting on checking with his “team,” saying the prime minister wanted to consult the British military on feasibility and coordinate with allies.
Beyond the factual exchange, Starmer appears confident his decisions are right. They reflect his long-standing comparison to the Iraq War, which he opposed, and his emphasis on international law — he and many colleagues see recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran as likely breaches. Those positions align with the views of many Labour MPs and with broader British public sentiment, both crucial for his political standing.
Mr Trump’s persistent and public criticism, however, remains a potential source of tension and could make future joint appearances awkward. For now, Starmer believes the evidence and circumstances limited his options and justify the course he took.