In a surprising turn of events, the likelihood of a face-to-face meeting between UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris before the pivotal 5 November American election has significantly diminished, according to a Downing Street source.
Starmer’s Ambitions to Engage with Both Candidates
Last month, during his visit to New York for the UN General Assembly, Starmer expressed his desire to meet with both presidential contenders ahead of the US election. “It would be very good to meet both [Trump and Harris] at some stage,” he told reporters, adding, “We’ll just have to see what’s possible.”
The British leader did manage to secure a two-hour dinner with former US President Donald Trump during his New York trip. Foreign Secretary David Lammy accompanied Starmer to the meeting, underscoring the importance placed on engaging with the Republican candidate.
Fading Prospects of a Harris-Starmer Encounter
However, a government insider revealed on Thursday that the chances of arranging a sit-down between Starmer and Harris have significantly waned. “We’re obviously a number of days out from the campaign, and I suspect both candidates are focused on the election,” the source stated, hinting at the logistical challenges posed by the closing stages of the presidential race.
With less than two weeks remaining until American voters cast their ballots, Harris and Trump are intensely focused on campaigning across battleground states, leaving little room for international diplomacy. The demanding schedules of both candidates have apparently made a potential Starmer-Harris meeting increasingly unlikely.
Trump Campaign’s Accusations of Foreign Interference
The developments come amidst escalating tensions between the Trump campaign and the UK Labour Party. On Wednesday night, Trump’s team filed a strongly worded legal complaint, accusing the “far-left” Labour Party of “blatant foreign interference” in the US election.
The letter claimed that volunteering efforts by Labour officials traveling to the US to support Harris, as well as reports of contact between Labour figures and Harris campaign officials, constituted “illegal foreign national contributions”.
Downing Street has pushed back against these allegations, asserting that any Labour officials campaigning for Harris are doing so voluntarily and without party reimbursement. Starmer himself has downplayed the complaint’s potential impact on his “good relationship” with Trump.
The Implications for UK-US Relations
The unfolding situation raises questions about the future trajectory of UK-US relations, particularly in light of the impending US election outcome. Starmer’s ability to engage with both presidential candidates is seen as crucial for safeguarding British interests and maintaining strong transatlantic ties, regardless of who emerges victorious on 5 November.
Political analysts suggest that Starmer’s failure to secure a meeting with Harris could potentially put the UK at a disadvantage should the Democratic nominee win the presidency. On the other hand, the prime minister’s successful dinner with Trump may provide a foundation for continued cooperation if the Republican incumbent secures a second term.
Looking Ahead
As the US presidential race enters its final stretch, the eyes of the world remain fixed on the heated contest between Harris and Trump. For Prime Minister Starmer and the UK government, the coming days will be marked by a delicate balancing act – navigating the complexities of the US political landscape while steadfastly promoting British interests.
With the prospects of a Starmer-Harris meeting before the election growing increasingly slim, the British leader must now focus on alternative strategies to ensure that the UK’s voice is heard and its priorities are addressed, no matter who assumes the mantle of US leadership come January 2025.
