'Disaster in diplomacy!' Top Tory declares Keir Starmer is 'not the man' to fix Britain's 'hugely damaged' US relationship

Georgia Pearce
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:56:56 +0000

The UK-US special relationship has suffered severe damage under Sir Keir Starmer's leadership, according to Matt Vickers.

Speaking to GB News, the Shadow Illegal Immigration Minister delivered a scathing assessment of the current state of transatlantic ties.

"I think the special relationship between the US and the UK is hugely damaged. I can't imagine a time when it's been as bad as it is, and actually it's a relationship that has endured generation after generation," he said.

The Conservative frontbencher emphasised this historic partnership has delivered significant advantages in both defence and trade over many years.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

He insisted repairing the relationship must be a priority, whilst declaring that the Prime Minister is "clearly not the man to do that."

Mr Vickers pointed to Donald Trump's message urging Britain to exploit its own oil and gas reserves, contrasting this with Labour's decision to cease issuing new North Sea drilling licences.

The shadow minister warned approximately 200,000 workers currently employed in extracting oil and gas from the North Sea now face an uncertain future.

"Those people are now having to look at alternative ways to work," he stated, adding this directly affects communities in his constituency.

He argued importing energy from overseas is actually more damaging to the environment due to transportation emissions and associated costs.

Mr Vickers also raised concerns about Britain's growing dependence on imports from nations such as Iran, which he described as "facing all sorts of challenges".

The consequences of these policy decisions are already being felt across the country, according to Mr Vickers, who warned reduced supply is pushing prices upward.

"The end result is the price is spiralling. Our energy security, our national security is put at risk, people are losing their jobs, it's an absolute disaster," he said.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Donald Trump considering pulling out of Nato as he blasts UK for 'not even having a navy'

'Get your own oil!' Donald Trump warns US 'won't be there for UK anymore' as President lashes out

Donald Trump ridicules UK defences in latest swipe at Keir Starmer: 'Toys compared to what we have!'

The shadow minister also criticised reports that the Government may be contemplating a rise in fuel duty.

He described this as coming "at the worst possible time for families and businesses across this country".

Mr Vickers argued the combination of halted domestic production, increased import reliance, and potential tax rises on fuel represents a perfect storm threatening both household budgets and the nation's strategic interests.

He also launched a fierce attack on the Prime Minister's handling of military cooperation with Washington.

"When the US began this conflict, when this issue arose, Keir Starmer dithered, he delayed, he dilly-dallied. He didn't allow them the access to our bases that they needed," he said.

The shadow minister accused the Government of failing to respond adequately when missiles were fired at British bases on sovereign territory in allied nations.

He noted under the previous Conservative administration, Royal Navy warships were stationed in the region and actively engaged in operations.

Mr Vickers warned this sluggish response has endangered British personnel and facilities in Cyprus whilst damaging relationships with host nations.

He concluded by describing the situation as an "absolute disaster in diplomacy".