Prime Minister Keir Starmer Acquires Trump's Personalised Cufflinks for His Son
Sir Keir Starmer has personally paid to retain a pair of personalised cufflinks presented to him by United States President Donald Trump during the American leader's state visit to the United Kingdom last year. The Prime Minister purchased the gift, which would otherwise have been held in official custody by Downing Street, specifically for his teenage son, according to information obtained by the Press Association.
Details of the Gifts and Updated Register
Official records released by the Cabinet Office reveal that Sir Keir received the cufflinks alongside a personalised necklace and a golf club from President Trump. Additionally, his wife was gifted a pair of cowboy boots during the same occasion. Initially, Sir Keir paid to keep only the necklace, with the other items listed as retained by Number 10. However, an updated register of ministers' interests published on Tuesday confirmed that he has now also acquired both items of jewellery, including the cufflinks.
The precise value and design of the cufflinks and necklace have not been publicly disclosed. Under established government rules, ministers are required to declare any gift valued at more than £140. They must then either surrender the item to their department or pay the difference between its value and the £140 threshold to retain it personally.
Hosting the Trumps and Reciprocal Gifts
Sir Keir and Lady Starmer hosted President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Chequers, the Prime Minister's country retreat, in September. This followed the president's stay with the King and Queen at Windsor Castle. During the visit, the Starmers presented President Trump with a traditional ministerial red box and gave the first lady a silk scarf as reciprocal gifts.
Starmer's General Approach to Gifts from World Leaders
Sir Keir, in line with the practice of previous prime ministers, has typically declined to purchase gifts received from foreign leaders, including earlier presents from Mr. Trump. For instance, during the president's visit to Scotland in July, Sir Keir received a bottle of special edition whisky, and during a trip to Washington in February, he was given a framed football shirt by Mr. Trump. Both of these items were retained by Downing Street rather than being purchased by the Prime Minister.
Furthermore, in September, Sir Keir received a rugby league shirt, leather boots, and beer from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, clothing from publisher Conde Nast, and a wooden carving from Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas. None of these gifts were paid for and kept by Sir Keir, highlighting his usual adherence to the protocol of allowing such items to remain in official possession.
