Lammy says Christianity and class give him common ground with JD Vance

David Lammy mentioned that he is connecting with Donald Trump's contentious running mate, JD Vance, and feels a kinship with him due to their shared working class and Christian upbringings.

The British foreign minister spoke shortly after the potential future US vice president restated his belief in putting America's interests first. He promised the Republican national convention that he would avoid sending American troops into unnecessary wars overseas.

"We will only send our children to battle as a last resort," Vance stated, indicating a notable change in policy for the US. The country has long been seen as the protector of democratic nations around the world since World War II.

Vance has previously said that Britain under the Labour Party was the first country with a nuclear weapon to be truly Islamist.

During an interview with BBC Breakfast, Lammy mentioned that he has met JD Vance multiple times and they have a common background of coming from the working class and dealing with addiction in their families. They have both written books and discussed their experiences with addiction.

"We are both believers in the Christian faith, so I believe I can connect with JD Vance on that shared belief."

He was addressing the audience from Blenheim Palace, located in Oxfordshire, prior to the fourth assembly of European political leaders. This conference brought together 44 leaders from both EU and non-EU countries, making it the largest gathering of European leaders in the UK in many years.

Continuing to elaborate on his opinions about Vance on BBC Radio 4, Lammy mentioned that he began to delve into the American perspective on global defense at the security summit in Munich in February.

"He has expressed firm opinions on European defenses and has also shared his perspective on Ukraine," Lammy explained. "That is why I have been in communication with JD Vance for quite some time."

Lammy, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party in the United States, has been attempting to establish connections with high-ranking members of the Republican Party in the past few weeks, experiencing varying degrees of success.

The foreign secretary had previously criticized Donald Trump by calling him a "neo-Nazi sociopath" and "a tyrant in a toupee", but has now stepped back from those remarks as the US presidential election draws closer.

Lately, Lammy has been giving speeches at conservative gatherings in the United States. In a speech at the Hudson Institute in May, he expressed his understanding of the principles behind "America first".

He also reached out to Trump's campaign manager, Chris LaCivita, but LaCivita dismissed the report of them being in "daily contact" as untrue.

Officials from the United Kingdom are worried that Trump's choice of Vance as his running mate suggests that he may not keep supporting Ukraine in its battle against Russia. Vance stated at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee that they will work together to ensure that their allies also contribute to maintaining global peace, indicating an end to any free passes.

A senior diplomat from Europe said to the Guardian that Trump's selection for vice president was bad for Ukraine. They also mentioned that Vance is not on their side.

Starmer wants to show Europe's united front in backing Ukraine at the EPC summit. He also aims to improve the UK's reputation in Europe and mend relations with the EU following nearly eight years of Brexit turmoil.

The meeting will be attended by the leader of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, and Starmer, who will speak at the main session with 44 other leaders, as well as the Nato secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, and the Council of Europe.

The prime minister took a step towards improving Anglo-Irish relations by having dinner with Taoiseach Simon Harris at Chequers on Wednesday.

He informed Harris about his promise to revoke the divisive Legacy Act, which granted protection for past crimes during the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and pledged to hold a yearly meeting between England and Ireland focused on addressing issues that may strain the relationship between the two countries.

Trying to manage expectations in some sectors that are hopeful for a quick improvement in the relationship with the EU, Lammy stated that the summit was focused on initiating a conversation rather than engaging in formal negotiations.

He repeated the Labour party's goal of enhancing trade relations, securing a veterinary agreement to facilitate easier trade of agricultural goods, and reaching a mutual agreement on professional qualifications.

Regarding the conflict in Gaza, he mentioned that the UK is aiming to reach a conclusion in the near future regarding the possibility of providing financial support again to the UN Palestinian refugee agency, Unrwa.