US 'fully supports' Labour's reset with EU, says Blinken

US secretary of state Antony Blinken has given the strongest indication yet that the Labour government's attempts to heal the relationship with the EU in the wake of Brexit have significantly improved relations between Washington and London.

- DAVID MADDOX

With Sir Keir Starmer set to fly to Washington DC this week to meet up with US president Joe Biden, there had been concerns that the so-called “special relationship” may have been cooled by David Lammy’s announcement that he was suspending 30 arms export licences to Israel.

However, the two men insisted that they are working hand in hand, and united to condemn Iran after it was revealed that the country has been sending ballistic missiles to Russia for use against Ukraine. Sources have suggested that Tehran is receiving nuclear technology in exchange. Mr Blinken said that the US would be imposing further sanctions on Iran, and it is understood that the UK will follow suit.

Secretary Blinken and the foreign secretary also insisted that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is “99 per cent there”. The two also announced a joint trip to Ukraine as a symbol of support for the country.

After strains between the previous Tory government and the Biden administration over Brexit, Mr Blinken made it clear that the attempts by Sir Keir to repair relations with the EU are strongly supported in the White House and the US Department of State.