Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden has described US President Donald Trump as a 'very transactional' leader, suggesting his demands on Iran should be viewed in that context. The unusually blunt assessment came as McFadden stated that the UK is not obliged to support every US request.
Speaking to Sky News, McFadden addressed Trump's recent criticism of the UK for not sending ships to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital sea passage disrupted by Iranian attacks. Trump had warned of consequences for NATO allies who fail to assist. McFadden said: 'It's a very transactional presidency, and our job is to navigate this, to always remember that the friendship between the United States and the United Kingdom runs very deep.'
Rather than deploying ships, the UK is considering sending minesweeping drones to the region, amid concerns that complying with Trump's demand could escalate the crisis. McFadden told Times Radio: 'There's a lot of rhetoric, always, in this presidency. Underneath that, there is a good and close relationship... But that doesn't mean that we will always have to support every intervention and every action that the United States chooses to take.'
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has sought to maintain good relations with Trump, including inviting him for a second state visit. However, Trump has criticised Starmer, saying earlier this month: 'This is not Winston Churchill that we're dealing with.' Downing Street remains confident that its stance of supporting only defensive measures is in line with international law and public sentiment.
Starmer and Trump spoke by phone on Sunday, discussing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to end disruption to global shipping, which is driving up costs worldwide.
