President Biden’s meeting with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer began with a tense moment, as a British reporter posed a question before Biden had a chance to speak. Biden, visibly frustrated, addressed the reporter directly.
“I say you be quiet until I speak, OK? That’s what I say. Good idea?” Biden said, before reiterating, “You’ve got to be quiet, and I’m going to make a statement, OK?” The exchange came after the reporter asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threats of war with NATO.
Seated with Secretary of State Antony Blinken, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, and other U.S. officials, Biden welcomed Starmer back to the White House. He expressed gratitude for the United Kingdom’s “leadership” in supporting Ukraine. “The United States is committed to standing with you to help Ukraine as it defends against Russia’s onslaught and aggression,” Biden said, adding, “Putin will not prevail in this war. The people in Ukraine will.”
Biden also outlined a broader agenda for the meeting, including discussions on the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region. He emphasized the importance of securing a deal to release hostages held by Hamas, calling for an immediate cease-fire and a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Turning to the Indo-Pacific, Biden highlighted the significance of the AUKUS agreement with Australia, describing the region as crucial to the future.
Starmer, who expressed appreciation for the invitation, echoed Biden’s remarks on global issues. He highlighted the enduring “special relationship” between the U.S. and the U.K., and stressed the importance of supporting Ukraine in what he called a “vital war of freedom.” On the Middle East, Starmer noted the shared strategic alignment between the two nations and the necessity of addressing these issues through both tactics and broader strategy.
During the press engagement, Biden was asked about Putin’s recent threats. “I don’t think that much about Vladimir Putin,” said Biden. As for Ukraine’s request to use long-range missiles within Russia, Biden replied, “We’re going to discuss that now.”
Starmer answers questions
Following the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the press outside the West Wing, fielding four questions, three of which had been prearranged with a British journalist.
“This wasn’t about a particular decision that we’ll obviously pick up again in UNGA in just a few days’ time with a wider group of individuals,” Starmer said. “But this was a really important invitation from the President to have this level of discussion about those critical issues.”
Starmer emphasized the gravity of the situation regarding Ukraine. “There’s only one reason we’re having these discussions, and that is that Putin has illegally invaded Ukraine. The biggest way to resolve this obviously lies through what Putin actually does, because it’s manipulating this,” he said. “But we are having a discussion. We stand with Ukraine. Ukraine has a right to self-defense, and we’ve stood united, not just with allies here in the US, but across with our NATO allies.”
Addressing potential developments in global issues, Starmer noted, “I think if you look at both the Ukrainian situation and the Middle East, it is obvious that in the coming weeks and months there are really important potential developments, whatever timetable is going on in other countries.”
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