Sir Keir Starmer is facing questions over his handling of relations with Donald Trump after the US President launched a series of attacks on the Prime Minister – prompting us to ask readers whether an apology is needed to repair the rift. Tensions between the UK and the United States have intensified amid disagreements over the Middle East crisis and the use of British military bases.

Mr Trump publicly criticised Sir Keir earlier this week, saying: “This isn’t Winston Churchill we’re dealing with here.” He also said: “This is not the age of Churchill… the UK has been very unhelpful.” Reports have also suggested he has taken to referring to the PM as a “loser”.

The dispute centres on Sir Keir’s initial refusal to allow the US to use British bases for strikes against Iran. The Prime Minister said he would not support military action unless he was satisfied there was a lawful basis and a “viable, thought-through plan”.

He told MPs: “What I was not prepared to do on Saturday was for the UK to join a war unless I was satisfied there was a lawful basis and a viable, thought-through plan.”

Sir Keir insisted the alliance between the two countries remained strong despite the criticism.

He said: “British jets are shooting down drones and missiles to protect American lives in the Middle East and our bases, that is the Special Relationship in action.”

He added: “Hanging on to President Trump’s latest words is not the Special Relationship in action.”