SIR Keir Starmer has finally spoke on the phone to Donald Trump after the President showered him with praise.
The PM and Trump spoke for around 45 minutes, covering trade, the economy and Britain’s plan to spark a bonfire of growth-impeding red tape.
During his initial conversation with a European leader, Trump expressed his admiration for the Royal Family and joy over the release of British-Israeli captive Emily Damari from Hamas’ captivity.
The PM applauded the top deal broker for securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas – an issue his predecessor Joe Biden failed at for months.
A Downing Street spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his kind words and congratulated him on his inauguration.
“The two leaders stressed the importance of the close and warm ties between the UK and the US.
“They agreed to meet soon and looked forward to further discussions then.”
The president also offered his condolences to Sir Keir following the death of his brother.
Hours before the call Trump gave the PM a surprise boost as he declared the Labour leader has done a “very good job thus far”.
Trump admitted to a positive rapport with Sir Keir, even as his close associate and tech mogul Elon Musk urged the Prime Minister to step down.
On board the Presidential jet Air Force One, Trump said: “I get along with him well. I like him a lot.
“He’s liberal, which is a bit different from me, but I think he’s a very good person and I think he’s done a very good job thus far.
“He’s represented his country in terms of philosophy.
“I may not agree with his philosophy, but I have a very good relationship with him.”
When questioned about his upcoming international visit during a flight, Trump mentioned potential destinations like Saudi Arabia or the UK, with a hint towards a traditional choice of the UK.
“Last time I went to Saudi Arabia because they agreed to buy $450 billion of American United States merchandise.”
Downing Street has gone to great lengths to try and woo the new President, as well as prevent a bombardment of tariffs on British goods.
Last week, Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Sir Keir will travel to Washington to meet his counterpart “within the next few weeks”.
It comes as Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds pleaded earlier this week that Trump should exclude Britain from his tariff raids.
The US imports fewer manufactured goods from the UK than it exports here so we should be spared, Reynolds said.
It came after the new President this week doubled down on his plot to impose tariffs across the globe to boost America’s economy.
At the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, Trump said: “If you don’t make your product in America, which is your prerogative, then very simply, you will have to pay a tariff.”
