Prime Minister Keir Starmer is aiming to maintain the UK-US “special relationship” under Donald Trump’s presidency, but his Labour government faces significant challenges. The UK’s support for Ukraine, tensions over NATO commitments, and potential trade friction may strain the long-standing alliance.

Starmer took an initial step on Wednesday, congratulating Trump via a phone call he described as “very positive.” However, experts suggest Starmer’s Labour government could be wary of a Trump-led White House, particularly on issues like Ukraine and NATO, as doubts arise over Trump’s commitment to these global alliances.

The UK’s stance as one of Ukraine’s key supporters against Russia could be a sensitive topic, with London having invested significant resources since the 2022 Russian invasion. Shifts in US policy on Ukraine would be challenging for the UK to navigate, said Richard Whitman, an international relations professor at the University of Kent.

Trade could further complicate relations. Trump’s proposed tariffs on EU goods threaten to destabilize economic ties, with experts warning of potential repercussions for the UK. A report from the National Institute of Economic and Social Research estimates that Trump’s policies could reduce UK growth by half, pushing up prices and interest rates, thus hindering Starmer’s economic goals.

Starmer’s Labour party, traditionally aligned with the US Democrats, has built relationships with US counterparts, including visits to Democratic conventions. Last month, Trump alleged “foreign interference” by Starmer’s team for supporting Kamala Harris’s campaign. Despite Starmer’s efforts to strengthen ties with Trump, past statements from Labour figures, notably Foreign Secretary David Lammy’s remarks condemning Trump in 2018, may complicate diplomatic efforts.

Another concern lies with Elon Musk, Trump’s potential ally, who previously warned of civil unrest in the UK, and could play a disruptive role. The two nations also diverge on climate change, with Trump’s skepticism contrasting Labour’s plans to make the UK a “clean energy superpower.”

Despite these hurdles, some analysts believe the UK-US relationship will endure, citing strong institutional foundations that have maintained this alliance through changing political landscapes. Nonetheless, the stakes are high; any weakening of this partnership could leave the UK isolated on the global stage, particularly following Brexit.