US and UK differ on Gaza policy but share common goals, says J.D. Vance

Straits Times

2 days ago

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US Vice-President J.D. Vance (right) meets British Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House in Britain on Aug 8.
SEVENOAKS, England - Britain and the US may disagree about how to address the crisis in Gaza but they share common goals in the region, US Vice-President J.D. Vance said at the
start of a meeting with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in southern England.
Mr Vance, who has previously criticised Britain and its governing Labour Party, landed with his wife Usha and their three children in London before heading to Chevening, the large, red-brick country residence used by the British foreign minister.
Appearing before reporters and TV cameras, the two leaders exuded plenty of bonhomie, with Mr Lammy recommending Mr Vance enjoy a coastal walk in Kent and the vice-president professing his 'love' for Britain.
Asked about Britain's plan to recognise Palestine, Mr Vance said the US and Britain had a common goal to resolve the crisis in the Middle East, adding: 'We may have some disagreements about how exactly to accomplish that goal, and we'll talk about that today.'
Mr Vance also reiterated that the US had no plans to recognise a Palestinian state, saying he didn't know what recognition actually meant, 'given the lack of a functional government there.'
Britain, by contrast, has taken a harder stance against Israel,
declaring its intention to recognise Palestine along with France and Canada to put pressure on Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu over the continuing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Earlier on Aug 8, Mr Vance and Mr Lammy also went fishing in the lake behind Chevening House, appearing relaxed in blue button-down shirts and sharing a laugh.
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Mr Vance joked to reporters that the 'one strain on the special relationship' between Britain and the US was that all his children had caught fish but that the British foreign minister had not.
'Before beginning our bilateral, the Vice-President gave me fishing tips, Kentucky style,' Mr Lammy said in a post on X.
After spending two nights in Chevening's bucolic surroundings with Mr Lammy, the Vances will travel to the Cotswolds, a picturesque area of English countryside and a popular retreat for wealthy and influential figures, from footballers and film stars to media and political figures.
The visit comes amid heightened transatlantic tensions, domestic political shifts in both countries and increased attention on Mr Vance's foreign policy views as he emerges as a
key figure in US President Donald Trump's administration .
A source familiar with the planning described the trip as a working visit that will include several official engagements, meetings and visits to cultural sites. Mr Vance is also expected to meet with US troops.
Mr Vance and Mr Lammy will also discuss the war in Ukraine, the pair told reporters.
Close to Chevening House, a small group of protesters had gathered, some waving Palestinian flags and one holding up a sign showing a meme of a bald Mr Vance. REUTERS