Downing Street has declined to deny reports that Chancellor Rachel Reeves engaged in a heated argument with her American counterpart during a visit to Washington DC earlier this year. According to the Financial Times, Ms Reeves clashed with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund's spring meetings.
Background of the Dispute
Before travelling to the US capital, Ms Reeves had publicly criticised the US-led military campaign against Iran, describing it as a "folly" and questioning the absence of a clear exit strategy. This reportedly prompted Mr Bessent to confront her during the gathering.
Ms Reeves is said to have retorted that she did not work for the US treasury secretary and expressed displeasure at his tone, reiterating her stance that American involvement in the conflict lacked clear objectives and was not enhancing global security.
Official Response
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister's official spokesman was asked whether he would distance himself from the reports. He did not explicitly deny them but emphasised that the two officials have maintained a constructive relationship since the incident.
"We would not get into private conversations," the spokesman stated. "The Chancellor and the US treasury secretary have a good relationship. They have had constructive conversations together since the Chancellor's visits to Washington. I think there is a readout from the US Department of Treasury, which made clear the productive nature of their relationship."
Reeves' Stance on Iran
Ms Reeves emerged as one of the most vocal critics within the UK government of the US decision to go to war in Iran. Prior to the IMF meetings in April, she labelled the war a "folly" and expressed frustration and anger, arguing that the US entered the conflict without a clear plan or defined objectives.
