‘I understand what Trump cares about,’ says Sir Keir Starmer
Starmer reveals what he and Trump bonded over
- Sir Keir Starmer said he has built a good personal relationship with Donald Trump, based on shared family values, which he believes aided the US trade deal.
- Sir Keir revealed that Trump offered condolences following the death of his younger brother, Nick Starmer, on Boxing Day last year, and that their initial conversation was after Trump was shot at a rally before he became president.
- The prime minister faced a humiliating climbdown on welfare reform, abandoning plans to restrict eligibility for personal independence payments (PIP) after admitting the system is not working.
- Despite the welfare reform bill passing its second reading, Sir Keir suffered the largest rebellion of his premiership, with 49 Labour MPs voting against the legislation.
- Sir Keir affirmed that he will always carry the can and take responsibility as leader when things do not go well, acknowledging the challenges faced.