Keir Starmer received a boost today as he faces crucial talks with Donald Trump at the White House.
US officials praised the UK's commitment to hike spending on defence to 2.5 per cent of GDP, and the PM's offer of troops for any Ukraine peace deal.
The endorsement came ahead of Sir Keir's talks with the president this evening, with a bewildering array of potential flashpoints.
Sir Keir has been appealing for Mr Trump to stop Vladimir Putin 'coming again' after a rushed peace deal, arguing America must help guarantee the terms.
He is also pitching for the UK to be spared tariffs as the US goes on the attack over what it claims are unfair trade arrangements with the rest of the world.
