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Keir Starmer faces mounting warnings that his relationship with Donald Trump may now be beyond repair following a deeply personal and mocking attack from the US president. In a fresh low for the once-special UK-US alliance, Mr Trump publicly derided the Prime Minister during an Easter lunch speech at the White House, imitating him in a weak, hesitant voice and accusing Britain of failing to act as America’s “best” ally during the Iran conflict.

The extraordinary episode unfolded when Mr Trump claimed he had asked the UK to deploy its two aircraft carriers to support US operations. According to the president, Sir Keir responded by saying he would need to consult his team.

Mr Trump recounted the exchange to laughter from guests: “I said: ‘You have two, old broken-down aircraft carriers, do you think you could send them over?’ ‘Ohhh, I’ll have to ask my team.’ I said: ‘You’re the Prime Minister, you don’t have to.’ ‘No, no, no, I have to ask my team. My team has to meet, we’re meeting next week.’ But the war already started. Next week the war’s going to be over … in three days.”

Mr Trump added that the UK “should be our best” ally but had not been, while also praising King Charles as “a nice guy” ahead of his forthcoming visit.

The remarks, made at a private lunch, were briefly shared on a White House social media channel before being deleted, though they were captured and republished by reporters.

Downing Street has pushed back firmly, insisting Mr Trump never formally requested the vessels and that Britain made no offer. Officials noted that earlier Mr Trump criticism had referred to minesweepers rather than aircraft carriers, suggesting inconsistency in the US president’s account.

Senior diplomatic and political figures have described the latest broadside as a serious blow. One senior diplomat told The Guardian: “Sir Keir was right to essentially ignore the insults but it is now hard to see how the relationship could recover.”

One former diplomat suggested the upcoming royal visits — including King Charles’s trip and a potential tour by Prince William and Catherine — might offer limited opportunities to ease tensions, but cautioned against Sir Keir appearing to bow to pressure.

A government foreign affairs adviser acknowledged the need to manage relations pragmatically while highlighting the “unpredictable, erratic” nature of Mr Trump’s outbursts, questioning whether pursuing a tight personal relationship remains wise.

Labour figures have rallied around their leader. Emily Thornberry, chair of the foreign affairs select committee, said: “Sir Keir is right to work with a team and listen to experts; unilateral decisions on war can lead to serious miscalculations.”

Former national security adviser Baron Darroch of Kew said: “Sir Keir was correct to resist involvement in a war of choice, though it has caused significant damage to the personal relationship with Mr Trump.”

Baron Darroch, who as Kim Darroch resigned as ambassador to the US in 2019 after his leaked criticisms of the Trump administration caused a diplomatic rift, warned of possible retaliation, including new tariffs, and urged faster rebuilding of links with the EU single market.

The fallout has also created awkward positioning for opposition parties. Reform UK’s Robert Jenrick said: “The relationship has taken a massive blow — probably irreparably so.”

He stressed he did not defend Mr Trump’s conduct, but noted Britons want a PM respected on the world stage. Conservative and Reform voices, initially more supportive of US action against Iran, have since tempered their stance.

Sir Keir has maintained a calm public position. Addressing Parliament’s liaison committee, he said: “I remain utterly focused on what is in the best interests of our country and will not waver despite external pressure.”

He declared: “I am the British prime minister and my job is to be absolutely focused on what is in the British national interest.”

The episode comes amid ongoing strains, including UK refusal to allow use of British bases for initial strikes on Iran and the decision to hand sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. Mr Trump has repeatedly criticised both.

With local elections looming next month, Labour ministers believe Sir Keir’s measured handling of the crisis and the US president could even bolster his leadership credentials at home.

Yet the diplomatic cost is undeniable. Multiple sources now describe the personal and strategic relationship between the UK prime minister and the US president as severely — and possibly permanently — damaged.