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Joe Biden has backed Keir Starmer’s ambitions to take the UK again nearer to the European Union.
The president, who has been a critic of Brexit and the UK’s departure from the EU, made it clear he values the particular relationship however solely as a “knot” tying collectively the US and Europe.
He made his feedback as Sir Keir had his first viewers with the president within the Oval Workplace since successful the election final week.
President Biden stated: “I sort of see you guys because the knot tying the transatlantic alliance collectively, the nearer you’re with Europe. We all know the place you’re, you recognize the place we’re.”
Sir Keir responded: “Effectively I believe that’s completely proper.”
It comes as Sir Keir has began the method of renegotiating Boris Johnson’s Brexit deal and in addition organising a brand new EU safety pact.
Almost two and a half centuries after America severed its’ political bonds to the British Empire, President Biden stated the USA and the UK are nonetheless “one of the best of allies in the entire world” as he met with the brand new prime minister within the Oval Workplace.
The assembly between the 81-year-old American president and Sir Keir, a full twenty years his junior, got here after each leaders participated in talks with different Nato heads of state and authorities on the primary full day of the 32-member block’s annual summit in Washington.
The 2 males met instantly after England’s Euro 2024 victory over the Netherlands, which clearly cheered Sir Keir forward of the assembly.
Requested if he thought soccer is coming house, Starmer replied: “I believe it’s.”
The preident additionally congratulated England on the victory and stated “it’s all the way down to your prime minister.”
Sir Keir responded that England stay undefeated below his premiership and has confirmed he will probably be going to the ultimate on Sunday in Berlin.
Meanwhie, Biden stated the UK — a founding signatory of the North Atlantic Treaty — is “knot that ties the transatlantic alliance collectively” as the 2 males sat side-by-side throughout a short availability with reporters.
“‘The nearer you’re with Europe, the extra engaged … as a result of we all know the place you’re and we all know the place we’re,” he stated.
The prime minister congratulated Biden on internet hosting this yr’s summit and credited the president with ushering in what he described as “a much bigger Nato, a stronger Nato and a Nato with the resolve that we want.”
He additionally stated the Anglo-American “particular relationship” was “so necessary” and added that it was “solid in tough circumstances,” had “endured for therefore lengthy” and is “stronger now than ever.”
The assembly between American and British leaders comes as Mr Biden confronted extra requires him to face down from his re-election effort following his disastrous efficiency in a =debate in opposition to his predecessor and present Republican challenger, Donald Trump.
Mr Trump, an opponent of Nato who has threatened to renege on America’s dedication to the mutual protection provisions of the North Atlantic Treaty ought to allied nations fail to spend sufficient on protection, is at present main Mr Biden in most public opinion polling, inflicting consternation amongst Nato leaders who concern he may destabilise the alliance by pulling America out of it ought to he return to workplace subsequent yr.
