Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump have held what is expected to be their final telephone conversation of 2025, with high-stakes discussions on Ukraine, Gaza, and a key diplomatic appointment.
Diplomatic Discussions on Global Conflicts
The leaders spoke on the afternoon of Sunday 21 December 2025. According to a Downing Street spokeswoman, the call began with a reflection on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Sir Keir updated President Trump on the work of the Coalition of the Willing, emphasising its role in supporting any potential peace deal to ensure a just and lasting end to hostilities.
Turning to the Middle East, the pair discussed the severe humanitarian situation on the ground in Gaza. This follows a US-brokered deal between Israel and Hamas which promised to end Israel’s military campaign and secure the return of all hostages. However, authorities in Gaza report that nearly 400 people, including children, have been killed by Israeli gunfire since the ceasefire began.
A New Ambassador to Deepen the 'Special Relationship'
A significant practical outcome of the call was the Prime Minister informing President Trump of the appointment of Dr Christian Turner as the new British Ambassador to the United States. Sir Keir told the President that Mr Turner’s appointment would “further deepen the relationship between the two countries.”
The veteran diplomat, currently the UK’s permanent representative to the United Nations, will take over the role from Lord Mandelson. Mandelson was sacked by Sir Keir in September after the extent of his friendship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was revealed.
Behind the Cordial Diplomacy
The Prime Minister has cultivated a strong working relationship with President Trump, typically avoiding public criticism. However, a recent personal remark revealed underlying tensions. Sir Keir stated he would not allow someone to speak to his daughter the way Trump spoke to a reporter, referring to an incident last month where the President used the term “quiet piggy” towards journalist Catherine Lucey on Air Force One.
The call concluded with mutual wishes for a Merry Christmas, with President Trump speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. It comes amid significant diplomatic movement, with the US offering Ukraine NATO-style protections and Trump claiming talks are closer than ever to a peace deal. Kremlin official Kirill Dmitriev noted constructive talks with Trump’s envoys in Florida just a day prior.
