US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has told Sky News’ Wilfred Frost that Starmer’s decision to block US forces’ ability to launch strikes from Diego Garcia risked the lives of American servicemen. Team Trump is still fuming with the PM…
Starmer obviously reversed that decision in 24 hours but the damage was done. Frost asked Bessent if Trump’s claim that Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez’ ‘risking the lives’ of servicemen also applied to the UK. He said:
“We were delayed being able to fully implement the the military plan. And you know, I think that the the main concern was the use of base Diego Garcia and the the USB B2s had to do a 37-hour round trip rather than I think it’s about a three and a half hour round trip. So you know to the and you know constantly refueling. I think any delay causes an increase in risk. And again, you know, President Trump is the commander in-chief of the US forces. Being in the situation room with him that he solemnly takes that the leadership role in terms of his commitment to maintaining the lives of our servicepeople that anything that upsets him. And I think that’s what got the very strong reaction. “
Bessent added of the UK: “I think we have a great the uh historical relationship, and I think we’ll get it back on track… There will be some bumps in the road. I think we will eventually get back on.” It’s very much not on track right now…
In Henry Mance’s piece today for the FT, lunching with Nigel Farage:
“Splendido!” Farage says, when the drinks arrive; I suppose it’s a step to European reconciliation. We clink glasses, and he lights the first of two back-to-back Benson & Hedges. A few minutes later, we’re back downstairs. “Are you drinking? Good.” He orders a glass of Sauvignon blanc for each of us — not a bottle, “because it’s Lent” — followed by a bottle of claret, to have with our meal. They say Farage drinks less than he used to. They say a lot of things.”