US Speaker declares special relationship with UK is 'critically important' amid Donald Trump tariff row

Mr Johnson's remarks come as Sir Keir Starmer doubled down on his stance against Donald Trump on Greenland, after threatening the UK and European nations with escalating tariffs.

Addressing the nation today, the Prime Minister vowed to use the "full strength" of the Government to "protect" the British people if needed.

Discussing the alliance between the UK and US, Nigel told Mr Johnson: "It's a big year for you, it's the 250th year of the Declaration of Independence.

"So it will be fair to say that our relationship between our two countries got off to a rocky start."

Mr Johnson responded: "It did, but since then, and especially after World War two, we developed what we all referred to as the special relationship.

"And this partnership, this relationship between the UK and the US is critically important, not just for our countries, but of course, for the entire world."

He added: "A strong America is good for everyone around the world, and a strong UK is as well, and we've recognised that we have this common ancestry and heritage in our principles.

"We seem to really feel this, and I do think it's important, and that's one of the reasons that I'm so excited to be here right now."

Expressing his excitement for his landmark visit to the UK, Mr Johnson told GB News: "I'll be the first US Speaker of the House to address Parliament, it's a great honour to me.

"The idea that it falls on our 250th anniversary is truly historic and we're grateful."

Asked how the invitation came about, Mr Johnson revealed: "Speaker Lindsay Hoyle invited me. We become fast friends and we meet annually at the G7 Speaker's meeting, which our colleagues from around the world come to.

"He is a great leader there and has become a fast friend, so I'm honoured to have been invited."

Detailing his role as Speaker of the House in US Congress, Mr Johnson explained: "It's quite a challenge. Speaker of the House, in our constitutional order, is one of only three offices listed in the Constitution. So you have the President, the Vice President, and the Speaker of the House.

"So in our system, it's a big role, it's an important role. You run the legislative agenda, but you're also in charge of not just policy but the politics as well.

"And so you've got to ensure that your majority is maintained, that everyone gets elected across our broad country, and you have to raise the money to get that done. So all those things happen simultaneously and it's a lot to keep us busy."

Asked by Nigel how he "keeps it all together", Mr Johnson joked: "A lot of prayer and patience, I say, is actually true. I have to work very closely with each of my colleagues. I have to know the dynamics of their districts and the people they represent, what their main priorities are.

"And as I often say, we'll never ask you to violate core principles, but you have to give up your preferences, because in a legislative body, that's the game, it's a team sport.

"So we do a very careful job of candidate recruitment, we try to get thoughtful, sensible people who want to come and govern and a conservative manner and lead the country forward.

"And I'm very pleased with the group. I genuinely love all my colleagues, even those who get frustrated sometimes. That's part of the process."