President Donald Trump's impersonations of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer have led to a damaged relationship "beyond repair" between the two countries amid the ongoing Iran war, according to reports on Friday.
Trump had mocked Starmer and ridiculed him during an Easter lunch speech at the White House, saying the UK was "not our best" ally after Starmer had reportedly consulted his team about military actions, according to The Guardian. He was apparently angry over the prime minister's decision to deny the U.S. military use of British military bases during the launch of its air strikes on Iran.
"Following the latest attack on Starmer, diplomatic and political figures said he was right to brush off the criticism but added that the relationship was very damaged and he would need to redouble efforts to built international relations elsewhere," The Guardian reported.
Trump had also claimed that he had asked the UK for help, but said he was denied that assistance.
"However, Downing Street sources said Trump had never asked the UK for the vessels and Britain had not offered them," according to The Guardian. "In previous criticism of Starmer two weeks ago, Trump said Starmer had asked to consult his team about sending minesweepers – not aircraft carriers."
Now, Starmer has started to look at improving other diplomatic ties.
"One senior diplomat said Starmer was right to 'essentially ignore' Trump and must now attempt to build ties with Canada, Australia and mainland Europe instead as it was hard to see how the relationship could recover," The Guardian reported.
Starmer called Trump's comments "quite rude" and shared his thoughts.
"I’m utterly focused on what is in the best interests of our country and I am unapologetic about that," Starmer said. "Notwithstanding the pressure that comes from elsewhere, I will remain laser focused on what is in the British national interest.
“And a lot of what is said or done is undoubtedly said and done to put pressure on me, I have no doubt about that. I understand what is going on. But I am not going to be wavering on this.”