Starmer to keep in touch with Trump after No 10

Image source, EPA/Shutterstock Image caption, Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump at the 2026 NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey By Richard Wheeler  and  Isabella Allen Published 12 minutes ago Sir Keir Starmer has said he will keep in touch with US President Donald Trump after his time as prime minister ends. The pair developed a positive relationship in their opening months of working together, which Sir Keir's team highlighted at the time as one of the biggest successes of his premiership. But Trump later mocked Sir Keir as being "no Winston Churchill" in a row over the refusal to permit the use of UK bases for the initial US-Israel strikes on Iran. On Wednesday, Trump repeated his criticism of the UK's response to the conflict. But Sir Keir, asked whether Trump had wished him well as he prepares to leave Downing Street, said: "Yes he did, and we're going to stay in touch." Sir Keir was also handed a personalised gun with live ammunition as gift from Nato summit host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The revolver has Sir Keir's name written on it, but it is understood the bullets did not have anyone's name on them. A similar gift was given to the leader of each Nato country in attendance. Starmer's gifted firearm has been left with British officials in Turkey, and they are expected to decommission it so it can no longer fire live rounds. Trump accuses Starmer of seeking to 'join wars after we've already won' Published 8 March Starmer tells of 'intensely personal' decision to quit and warns Burnham in first interview since resigning Published 4 days ago Nato allies announce £37bn for new missile project Published 13 hours ago Speaking at the Nato summit in Ankara, Sir Keir also told broadcasters: "We've always got on as two individuals. "That is important because it really matters in politics to have a relationship that is a working relationship." Sir Keir said the strategic alliance between the UK and US is "hugely important" in defence and security matters, with the two countries working "together 24/7". After he stressed the importance of a UK prime minister having a "good relationship" with a US president, Sir Keir said: "I'm glad that that's what I've been able to achieve. "That has been what I set out to do, I think it's really important for my country, and that's what always comes first for me." Sir Keir announced his resignation as Labour leader last month, paving the way for a contest to replace him as prime minister. Andy Burnham is currently the only candidate in the running to replace Sir Keir and could become the prime minister on 20 July. Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump at a press conference in the White House In September 2024, Sir Keir and Trump had a two-hour dinner at Trump Tower in New York. It was the first time they had met and came shortly before Trump won the 2024 US election to secure his return to the White House for a second term, after losing in 2020. Five months later in