Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has personally purchased a set of personalised cufflinks that were originally gifted to him by former US President Donald Trump during last year's state visit. The item, which would otherwise have been retained by Downing Street under official protocol, was bought by Sir Keir as a present for his teenage son.
Cabinet Office Disclosure Details
An updated register of ministers' interests, published by the Cabinet Office this Tuesday, confirms that Sir Keir has now paid to keep both the cufflinks and a personalised necklace received from President Trump. Initially, only the necklace was purchased, with other presents listed as retained by Number 10.
Gifts Exchanged During State Visit
The exchange occurred in September when Sir Keir and Lady Starmer hosted President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country retreat. This followed the president's stay with the King and Queen at Windsor Castle.
According to the Cabinet Office records, Sir Keir also received a golf club from President Trump, while Lady Starmer was given a pair of cowboy boots. In return, the Starmers presented the president with a ministerial red box and gifted the first lady a silk scarf.
Protocol for Ministerial Gifts
Under established rules, ministers must declare any gift valued over £140. They are then required to either surrender the item to their department or pay the difference between its value and the £140 threshold to retain it personally. The specific value and design of both the cufflinks and necklace have not been publicly disclosed.
Historical Context of Gift Retention
Sir Keir, consistent with the practice of previous prime ministers, has generally opted not to purchase gifts from world leaders. This includes previous items from President Trump, such as a bottle of special edition whisky received during the president's July visit to Scotland and a framed football shirt gifted during a February trip to Washington. Both were retained by Downing Street.
In other instances, Sir Keir received a rugby league shirt, leather boots, and beer from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in September, along with clothes from publisher Conde Nast and a wooden carving from Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas. None of these items were purchased for personal retention.
The decision to buy the Trump cufflinks for his son marks a notable departure from this pattern, highlighting a personal connection to the gift amidst the formalities of diplomatic exchange.
