UK premier dodges question on foreign secretary's 'derogatory' remarks about Trump

LONDON

The British prime minister was pressed on Wednesday by the Conservative party leader about Foreign Secretary David Lammy's previous "derogatory and scatological references" to Donald Trump, who won the US presidential election, during their recent meeting.

In his first prime minister's questions session as leader of the opposition Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch asked Keir Starmer if David Lammy apologized to Trump during their recent meeting.

"Did the foreign secretary take that opportunity to apologize for making derogatory and scatological references, including, and I quote, 'Trump is not only a woman-hating neo-Nazi sympathizing sociopath, he is also a profound threat to the international order,' and if he did not apologize, will the prime minister do so now on his behalf," she asked.

In response, Starmer said he and Lammy met with Trump for dinner a few weeks ago and discussed a number of issues of global significance, which was "a very constructive exercise."

Lammy had previously referred to Trump as "a racist KKK and Nazi sympathizer," but congratulated him on his reelection and said he looked forward to working with him and his running mate JD Vance.

Pressing Starmer on the issue, Badenoch asserted that the prime minister did not distance himself from Lammy’s remarks, and reminded Labour Party activists who had recently made headlines by participating in anti-Trump campaigns.

"I am very sure that President Trump will soon be calling to thank him for sending all of those North London labor activists to campaign for his opponent," Badenoch said sarcastically.

She asked: "Will the prime minister show that he and his government can be more than student politicians by asking you, Mr. Speaker, to extend an invitation to President Trump to address parliament on his next visit."

Starmer replied that the Conservative leader is "giving a master class on student politics."

"We live in probably a more volatile world than we lived in for many decades. It is absolutely crucial that we have a strong relationship, that strong special relationship forged in difficult circumstances, between the US and the UK," he added.

Badenoch said that Starmer does not answer the questions, rather "just read the lines the officials have prepared for him."

She asked the premier whether he committed to continuing the negotiations on a free trade agreement with the US.

Starmer replied that they will discuss issues of the economy with Trump "as we already have done economy, security, and global conflict are issues of real significance..."

"Discuss, discuss, discuss, chat, chat, chat. He has no plans whatsoever, no plans whatsoever for building on the special relationship," criticized Badenoch.

Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 US election, winning a second, non-consecutive term as president.