Humble pie as Cameron pays visit to Trump in bid to free up aid for Ukraine

Deputy Political Editor LORD Cameron paid court to Donald Trump in Florida before heading to Washington today, as the Foreign Secretary appeals to hardline US Republicans to authorise billions in new military aid for Ukraine.

- Jitendra Joshi

The surprise meeting at the former president's Mara-Lago estate last night was his first with a senior UK government minister since he left office in 2021 in chaotic circumstances, following a deadly riot by his supporters on Capitol Hill.

Lord Cameron has made no secret of his dislike of Mr Trump in the past, calling him "xenophobic" and "misogynistic" in his 2019 memoir as he looked back on his time in 10 Downing Street. But the Florida talks underscored the election-year influence that Mr Trump wields over a handful of recalcitrant Republicans in the House of Representatives.

Under his orders, they have been blocking a $60 billion package proposed by the White House that is seen as vital for Ukraine to hold the line against Vladimir Putin's invading army.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "It is standard practice for ministers to meet opposition candidates as part of their routine international engagement." The two men reportedly discussed Ukraine, the war in Gaza and the future of Nato, after Mr Trump vowed to let Russia do "whatever they hell they want" with alliance members who fail to spend enough on defence.