David Lammy, a British politician who may become the country’s foreign secretary if the Labour Party wins the upcoming election, has strong ties to the United States. The son of Guyanese immigrants, Lammy grew up in working-class London and spent time in Brooklyn and Queens, working at Con Edison. He obtained a master’s degree from Harvard Law School and built a network of contacts with Democrats, including former President Barack Obama. However, with the potential return of Donald Trump to the American political landscape, Lammy is working to establish ties with Republicans and Trump allies in preparation for his new role.
Lammy has engaged with former Trump officials, such as Mike Pompeo and Robert C. O’Brien, as well as Senator J.D. Vance, an Ohio Republican and Trump supporter. Despite differing political views, Lammy sees parallels between his own upbringing and Vance’s experiences, fostering a connection between them. While Lammy’s relationships with Democrats like Obama and Benjamin J. Rhodes are strong, he recognizes the need to navigate the challenges posed by a potential Trump administration and aims to develop positive relationships with all American political players to benefit the U.S.-U.K. relationship.
Lammy’s pragmatic approach to diplomacy includes maintaining good relations with both Democrats and Republicans, recognizing the importance of adapting to changing political landscapes. His willingness to engage with various American political figures, regardless of their backgrounds, demonstrates his commitment to effective foreign policy. Lammy’s belief in the power of personality to build relationships suggests his confidence in overcoming potential hurdles in dealing with a Trump administration.
In light of the strained relations between a Trump administration and U.K. governments, both past and potential future, Lammy is emphasizing the importance of focusing on strengthening ties with the European Union post-Brexit. He acknowledges the need for Britain to rebuild its security relationships with Europe and recognizes Labour’s advantage in rebuilding trust due to European suspicions of Brexit supporters. As the U.S. shifts its focus to its rivalry with China, Lammy highlights the importance of Britain’s role in Europe and the need to align with European priorities.
Despite divergent strategic priorities between the U.S. and Britain, the two countries remain interconnected in conflicts such as those in the Middle East. On issues like the Israel-Gaza conflict, Britain has mirrored the U.S.’s position, with the Labour Party largely aligning with the Conservatives despite internal pressure for a stronger stance on Israel. Lammy acknowledges the dire conditions in Gaza but opts to wait for government lawyers’ judgment before suggesting any policy changes. As he contemplates a potential future as foreign secretary, Lammy reiterates his commitment to racial justice, drawing inspiration from civil rights leaders and his own historic position as a descendant of enslaved people.
