LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed Europe’s strength and commitment to freedom and democracy on December 10, rejecting US President Donald Trump’s recent harsh criticism calling the continent “decaying” and its political leaders “weak.” Trump’s remarks came amid the release of the US national security strategy, which warned of a potential “civilizational erasure” in Europe and urged a shift in approach. Trump also disparaged London Mayor Sadiq Khan, calling him a “disaster,” continuing a pattern of long-standing public clashes between the two.
Responding in the British Parliament, Starmer emphasized Europe’s unity behind Ukraine and its core values, pledging his support. His press secretary labeled Trump’s comments as “wrong” and praised Khan’s leadership, highlighting the prime minister’s pride in him as both a colleague and friend.
Khan, London’s first Muslim mayor and a member of Starmer’s Labour Party, defended his progressive and multicultural city ahead of the COP30 summit. He contrasted London’s success with Trump’s politics, noting the historic election of Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of New York and a democratic socialist. The exchange underscores the ongoing political and ideological divides shaping transatlantic relations.