Chris Mason: How Lammy and Vance’s Unlikely Friendship is Being Leveraged

Weeks of public criticism from Donald Trump toward the UK prime minister have not dimmed the growing rapport between the two nations’ top deputies. While Trump has targeted the prime minister with sharp remarks, David Lammy, the justice secretary and deputy prime minister, has engaged in separate meetings with JD Vance, the US vice-president, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House. These discussions, each lasting approximately 45 minutes, centered on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Though the foreign secretary typically handles such diplomatic topics, the focus has shifted to Lammy’s connection with Vance. The pair’s relationship, which began during Lammy’s time as an opposition MP and Vance’s early days in the US Senate, has taken on new importance. Last summer, Vance and his family stayed at Lammy’s grace and favour home in Kent, Chevening, during a holiday visit to the UK. On X, Lammy shared a photo of their meeting in Washington, captioning it: “Great to catch up with my friend JD Vance today in DC following his talks in Pakistan.”

“It is vital that the ceasefire continues and we get shipping flowing freely again through the Straits of Hormuz. We continue to work together towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer has reiterated his disapproval of Trump’s rhetoric, calling out his threat against Iran as “a whole civilisation will die tonight.” In response, Starmer clarified to MPs: “In relation to the language about destroying a civilisation, could I really be clear with this House – that was wrong.” He emphasized that targeting Iranian civilians was inappropriate, noting their long-suffering under the regime.

Starmer’s remarks also criticized both Trump and Vladimir Putin, stating he was “fed up with the fact that families across the country see their bills go up and down… because of the actions of Putin or Trump.” The UK has further distanced itself from America’s blockade of Iranian ports, signaling a strategic divergence in policy approaches. Despite these differences, the UK government sees value in Lammy’s personal ties to Vance, as Downing Street’s ties with Trump have grown frosty.

From the perspective of 10 Downing Street, the deputies’ warm relationship offers a counterbalance to the strained dynamic between their leaders. As the policies of the two governments diverge, this friendship may serve as a diplomatic bridge, even amid broader political tensions.