At the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer refuted claims that he was snubbed by former U.S. President Donald Trump, despite the two not holding a formal bilateral meeting. Starmer said he engaged in multiple constructive conversations with Trump during the summit, including a phone call the weekend prior and several discussions on the margins of meetings.
Starmer emphasized the importance of the recent diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route crucial for global oil transit. He noted that the strait’s closure had adversely affected the UK economy and pledged that Britain would play its “full part” in reopening the passage as soon as possible, including potential involvement in demining operations.
Addressing rumors about a perceived slight by Trump, Starmer described their interactions as “very productive” and “very good,” saying the two had sat next to each other for extended periods and had engaged in “very honest and frank” conversations, particularly about Iran. The prime minister also highlighted discussions focused on the situation in Ukraine but confirmed that topics such as UK defense spending and social media restrictions were not raised with Trump during the summit.
Starmer’s remarks came after a moment at the summit was caught on a hot mic, where he enquired if other leaders, including Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, were holding a meeting, fueling speculation about his exclusion from key bilateral talks.
In separate meetings, Starmer and Zelenskyy expressed a shared determination among G7 leaders to maintain pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The UK prime minister announced new sanctions targeting Russian financial networks and expanding restrictions on vessels linked to Moscow’s shadow fleet involved in transporting oil and liquefied natural gas. Starmer described a perceptible “mood change” within the G7 regarding Ukraine, noting that Ukraine had recently transitioned from a defensive position to reclaiming territory.
Downing Street reported that Starmer had updated Zelenskyy on the UK’s latest support package, which includes £210 million in export finance to sustain Ukraine’s nuclear power infrastructure and a suite of 70 new sanctions aimed at disrupting Russia’s military supply chains and illicit finances.
Starmer also addressed domestic political pressures, reaffirming his commitment to his leadership despite facing a potential challenge following the forthcoming Makerfield by-election. He asserted confidence in the Labour Party’s prospects for a “landslide victory in 2024” and vowed to continue pursuing his government’s agenda.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Macron had established a private WhatsApp group for select world leaders to discuss strategic responses to Starmer’s leadership, a move interpreted by some as sidelining the UK prime minister. Claims circulating after the summit humorously suggested a narrative of Starmer’s marginalization within the G7, but Starmer dismissed such notions, underscoring his active engagement throughout the event.
Overall, Starmer presented the summit as a platform for unified G7 action on key international issues, particularly Iran and Ukraine, while rejecting suggestions of diplomatic exclusion or diminished influence.