The Next Four Years of the ‘Special Relationship’

by Arthur Searle, Staff Writer, BSc Politics, Philosophy and Economics 09/12/2024

Donald Trump has achieved a historic re-election, as he is set to re-enter the White House in January. His victory has sent shockwaves through the international community, particularly regarding Trump’s impact on Ukraine and Palestine. For the UK, Trump's victory raises questions about the future of the ‘special relationship’ between the two nations.

In their first phone call following Trump’s victory, Starmer extended ‘hearty congratulations’ to the President-elect and expressed eagerness to work together. ‘As the closest of allies, we stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared values of freedom, democracy, and enterprise,’ Starmer said, insisting that the UK-US relationship would ‘continue to prosper’. However, many speculate that he would have preferred a victory for Kamala Harris, whose values align more closely with Labour’s agenda. Moreover, the Prime Minister faces the task of repairing strained ties after Labour activists supported Harris’s campaign during the US elections - an incident Trump’s team interpreted as foreign interference.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy's past remarks about Trump, including calling him a ‘woman-hating, neo-Nazi-sympathising sociopath’ in 2018, have resurfaced. Despite Ezra Cohen, the former under-secretary of defence for intelligence, demanding an apology from Lammy, the Foreign Secretary dismissed the remarks as “old news” and expressed readiness to find common ground. 

Similarly, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who once labelled Trump a “buffoon” is working to mend relations. Her recent call with Vice President-elect JD Vance, addressed strengthening UK-US ties, despite Vances controversial remarks such as describing Vice President Kamala Harris and other Democrats as ‘a bunch of childless cat ladies.’

Reactions to Trump’s victory have been polarised across British politics. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage celebrated the result, describing it as ‘the most incredible political comeback’. Farage, who has spent considerable time cultivating ties with Trump, remarked that he was ‘absolutely delighted’. In contrast, Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey labelled Trump a ‘dangerous, destructive demagogue,’ calling for closer relations with the EU to counter Trump’s influence. Green Party Co-Leader Carla Denyer, condemned Trump as a ‘dangerous bigot, bully, and liar,’ calling for global resistance to authoritarianism.

Trump’s re-election will likely reshape the UK’s foreign policy, particularly in areas such as Ukraine. While Trump claims he could end the war ‘in a day,’ his strategy remains unclear. Biden's decision to authorise Ukraine to use long-range weapons in the war against Russia complicates things further. Trump’s team has suggested conditioning military aid on peace negotiations, raising concerns over potential territorial concessions to Russia. For Labour, supporting Ukraine's sovereignty remains a priority.

Trump’s renewed scepticism toward NATO has raised concerns for the UK, where the alliance remains central to national defence. With Republican control of Congress, Trump now wields greater influence to reshape the United States role within NATO. For the Labour government, maintaining the alliance's deterrent strength will be a top priority.

The Labour Party has faced significant internal and public pressure over its stance on the Gaza war. Starmer has supported Israel’s right to self-defence, but has called for a humanitarian ceasefire and a two-state solution. Trump remains pro-Israel, having recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital during his first term and maintaining strong backing from the US-Zionist movement. His nomination for US ambassador to Israel - a strong defender of Israel who once argued that there was ‘no such thing as a Palestinian’ - further signals a firm commitment to the Israeli force. Responses to the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlight divergences: the Labour government has pledged compliance with legal obligations, while Trump ally Senator Lindsey Graham has called for US sanctions against the ICC.

On China, Trump’s hawkish stance, likely involving stricter trade measures, could clash with Labour’s approach which seeks to balance economic ties with addressing human rights concerns. The UK may face pressure to align with a Trump administration that is determined to compete with China's growing power and influence, potentially straining the ‘special relationship.’ Trump’s proposed US tariffs of up to 20% on imports also pose potential economic challenges for the UK without a trade deal.

Trump’s re-election marks a significant moment in US-UK relations, challenging the Labour government to balance alignment with Trump’s administration - while deepening cooperation with European allies to safeguard strategic interests. As Starmer emphasised, ‘I want good relations with all of our allies, that’s really important — whether that’s the EU or the US.’