Today in Focus Can the special relationship survive Trump’s attacks on Starmer? – The Latest
Mar 18, 2026
Peter Walker, Senior political correspondent at The Guardian, offers sharp analysis on UK–US ties and party manoeuvring. He talks about Kemi Badenoch’s rare public defence of Keir Starmer and why politicians are navigating delicate polling and Iran war concerns. He explores whether Trump’s jibes risk straining long-standing diplomatic relations and how keeping US backing for Ukraine shapes British strategy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Senior Conservative Publicly Rebukes Trump
- Kemi Badenoch publicly criticised Donald Trump's attacks on Keir Starmer as "childish" and signalled broader UK discomfort with Trump's tone.
- Peter Walker notes Badenoch's clip reflects domestic polling showing Trump is unpopular in Britain and Number 10 worries about voter impressions when Trump attacks the PM.
Rapid Shift In Conservative Middle East Messaging
- Kemi Badenoch initially backed strong UK involvement in the US-Israel action but quickly shifted her rhetoric as public opinion soured.
- Peter Walker describes her early social posts urging UK support and later briefings that tried to redefine rather than admit a U-turn.
Trump's Personal Attacks On Starmer Escalate
- Donald Trump publicly belittled Keir Starmer, saying "Unfortunately Keir Starmer is no Winston Churchill," framing UK gratitude and trade as leverage.
- Peter Walker points out Starmer has navigated a delicate relationship with Trump, initially courting him but maintaining distance as conflicts evolved.