Pat McFadden, the UK work and pensions secretary, has described Donald Trump as a 'very transactional' president, in an unusually blunt assessment of US-UK relations. He said the UK is not obliged to support every US demand, particularly regarding Iran.
McFadden's comments came after Trump criticised the UK for not sending ships to the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by Iranian attacks. Trump warned that a lack of support could be 'very bad for the future of Nato'.
Rather than sending ships, the UK is planning to deploy minesweeping drones to the region, amid concerns that complying with Trump's demand could escalate the crisis. McFadden stressed that the UK has not sought to be a protagonist in the conflict.
He added that while the US-UK relationship is strong and enduring, it does not mean Britain must support every US action. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has maintained good relations with Trump, including inviting him for a second state visit, but has faced criticism from Trump over the UK's defensive stance on Iran.
