Joe Biden told Sir Keir Starmer he wanted to see him bring Britain “closer” to Europe.

Meeting in the Oval Office in the White House, the US president urged the new Prime Minister to help strengthen Nato by getting closer to the European Union.

His comments came after Sir Keir said he wanted to use the ongoing Nato summit in Washington DC to start strengthening relations with the EU within days.

Sir Keir met German chancellor Olaf Scholz yesterday to discuss deepening Britain’s defence and security relationship with Europe.

Speaking before his meeting with Sir Keir, President Biden said: “I kind of see you guys as the knot tying the transatlantic alliance together, the closer you are with Europe. We know where you are, you know where we are.”

A Government spokesperson said: “The President welcomed the Prime Minister’s recent comments on establishing closer relationships with our European counterparts, as well as the UK’s commitment to AUKUS. 

“They reflected that at a time when we face growing challenges across the world, we are at our strongest when we unite and work together.”

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