I can find common ground with JD Vance, says David Lammy

The foreign minister expressed optimism about being able to find areas of agreement with JD Vance, who is running alongside Donald Trump in the US presidential election.

David Lammy shared with the BBC that having a "similar background" to the Ohio senator, who was selected as the Republicans' choice for US vice president, helped them to bond over policy matters.

Mr. Lammy mentioned that he and Mr. Vance have already discovered common ground on foreign policy issues. Mr. Vance is against supporting Ukraine and has spoken out against Nato.

His remarks were made as Mr. Vance reiterated his belief in prioritizing America's interests, promising the Republican National Convention (RNC) that he will avoid unnecessary entanglements in foreign conflicts.

In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Mr. Lammy mentioned that he has met JD Vance multiple times and they both come from working-class backgrounds with family members who have struggled with addiction.

We have published books about this topic, we have discussed it before, and we are both followers of the Christian faith. Therefore, I believe I can connect with JD Vance on a shared level.

He said that he and Mr. Vance had already reached a mutual understanding about US foreign policy when they met in Washington earlier this year.

He was talking at Blenheim Palace during the fourth European Political Community (EPC) meeting, where leaders will pledge their support for Ukraine and talk about important issues like migration and energy.

Asked about whether Mr Vance's opinions are a concern for the Ukrainian war, Mr Lammy said on BBC Radio 4's Today show that there are different viewpoints within the Republican Party.

"There are numerous people dedicated to the strong bond between Europe and the United States, and many recognize that security in Europe and the Pacific are closely connected," he stated.

I have been talking to various individuals who play important roles in US foreign policy, including potential candidates for the positions of defense secretary and secretary of state.

The foreign secretary had previously criticized Mr Trump using harsh terms like "neo-Nazi sociopath" and "a tyrant in a toupee." However, they have now backed away from those remarks after joining Sir Keir Starmer's front bench team.

When questioned about whether his previous comments could harm a potential working relationship with a future Trump administration, Mr. Lammy responded by saying that Donald Trump is not easily offended.

It's rare to find a politician who hasn't commented on Donald Trump during his time in office.

He mentioned Mr. Vance's previous critiques of his new boss. Mr. Vance used to identify as a "never Trump guy" and referred to the former president as "America's Hitler".

Mr. Lammy pointed out that President Trump has selected a vice-president who has made critical remarks about him in the past.

Senior Labour members rejected Mr. Vance's joke about the UK potentially becoming the first country with nuclear weapons to be truly "Islamist" under a Labour government.

At the recent National Conservatism conference in Washington DC, a 39-year-old speaker made controversial remarks about the UK and nuclear weapons. He jokingly suggested that the UK, under Labour leadership, could become the first truly Islamist country to possess a nuclear weapon. This comment sparked discussion and debate among attendees.

He criticized Labour's immigration approach directly and added that the Conservatives need to address this issue.

Conservative American political leaders frequently connect immigration to an increase in Islamic extremism within a nation, with particular attention on the United Kingdom.

The comments were a source of embarrassment for Mr. Lammy, as he had referred to Mr. Vance as a "friend" while attempting to improve relationships with important Republicans.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated that she does not agree with his description of the UK, while Treasury Minister James Murray mentioned that he did not comprehend Mr. Vance's viewpoint.