Starmer’s relationship with Trump under strain this morning
Harry Farley
Political correspondent, BBC
Ever since Keir Starmer came to power, proximity to Donald Trump has been the central tenet of his foreign policy.
That is coming under strain this morning more than at any other point.
The White House has in effect launched an economic war against its closest allies.
Downing Street officials will be working to try and schedule a call between the prime minister and US president.
The last time Starmer wanted a call with President Trump – in the wake of the US strikes on Venezuela – it took several days to actually happen.
Nevertheless, the government will hope they can talk Trump down from his tariffs threat.
Whether they can succeed will be a significant challenge to Labour’s approach of hugging Trump close.