Keir Starmer spoke again to Donald Trump last night, but Downing Street did not confirm whether the UK was trying to speak to the US as it would halt Ukrainian military aid.
The priority was asked about media reports that the US had withdrawn its support around 4pm, at 4pm in the House, and replied, “As I understand, that’s not my position.”
That proved wrong in the coming hours, but it is unclear what was revealed to PM when he spoke to Trump Evining and David Lammy who called Marco Rubio last night.
The news spread around midnight in the UK.
How long can you hold your UK position?
A priority spokesman argued at the lunchtime that the US was a “essential ally” and that no specific announcements the UK could comment on (about the scope or timing of the freeze).
This has not stopped being commented elsewhere in Europe.
The priority aide claims that nothing has changed in his approach, but how long can he hold it? It is increasingly clear that this US administration’s war approach is at odds with Britain, Europe and NATO allies.
The answer is, as long as the UK is expected to have influence behind the scenes.
The No. 10 team was relieved to pull off a well-received trip to DC, which yesterday attracted praise from the entire Congressional political spectrum. Last night’s call is evidence of ongoing involvement.
Watch: US correspondent Mark Stone analyzes Trump Starmer’s story
Today, Downing Street claimed to be in line with the outcomes the UK and the US wanted – “durable and lasting peace” – and Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said priority would “not go off track.”
However, the unpredictable movement across the Atlantic gives priority and new urgency to Macron’s European peace plan, bringing together a “pleasant” coalition to act as peacekeepers.
JD Vance revealed that he was not referring to Britain or France when he scraped the idea that Russia would be blocked from being invaded by 20,000 troops from the “random country.”
But there is the pressure to plan and the American guarantees behind it that goes beyond the lucrative mineral trade that benefits US taxpayers.
Without it, the UK’s impact would appear highly suspicious.
