Starmer suggests Trump insults him as a ‘pressure’ tactic – after President posts video mocking him as a ‘coward’ over Iran war

Keir Starmer has claimed Donald Trump is using insults as a ‘pressure’ tactic after the President published a sketch calling him a ‘coward’ today.

The Prime Minister gave insight into how he approaches Mr Trump’s surprising communication style when he appears before MPs.

Sir Keir was branded ‘no Churchill’ and ‘disappointing’ by the US leader, who hurled insults at him over the Chagos ‘surrender’ deal. The fights raised questions about the status of the so-called Special Relationship.

Meg Hilliar, chair of the Liaison Committee, asked the prime minister how he handled Mr Trump’s ‘rude comments’ and the feeling that there were ‘different presidents on different days of the week’.

“I am completely focused on what is in the best interests of our country,” he said.

‘Despite pressure from elsewhere, I will remain laser-focused on Britain’s national interest.

‘A lot of things that are said and done are undoubtedly said and done to put pressure on me, I have no doubt about that. I understand exactly what’s going on.

‘But I won’t hesitate about it… It’s served me well these last few weeks.’

Sir Keir discussed the Iran war and how to reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz with the US president in a 20-minute meeting last night.

No10 attempted to downplay tensions between the pair over the crisis in the Middle East following the US-Israeli attacks and insisted the conversation was ‘constructive’.

But it is unclear whether Mr Trump’s numerous public insults towards his transatlantic partner were mentioned.

Shortly before the speech, the president posted a toe-curling clip from the British version of ‘Saturday Night Live’ on the Truth Social platform.

The scene in the programme, which first aired on Sky this weekend, shows the Prime Minister in No 10 too terrified to pick up the phone to speak to Mr Trump about Iran.

‘What if Donald yells at me?’ The comedian, who plays Sir Keir, tells his sidekick David Lammy: When ‘Mr Trump’ answers he immediately hangs up in a panic.

“I hate conflict so much,” says Sir Keir, admitting that it is “beyond me”.

There was hope of progress when he dramatically announced a five-day ceasefire despite Mr Trump’s taunts.

In an all-caps post on the Truth Social site, the president said “productive” talks with the regime were ongoing.

Iran has yet to respond or give any indication of whether the vital Strait of Hormuz will be reopened.

Markets staged a breathtaking relief rally as oil prices fell back below $100 per barrel.

Donald Trump posted a toe-curling clip from the British version of ‘Saturday Night Live’ on the Truth Social platform yesterday

Mr Trump has repeatedly expressed anger at Sir Keir’s reluctance to take a bigger role in the US-Israeli war against Iran, branding him “disappointing” and “unChurchill”.

In the SNL skit, with a framed photo of Mr Trump behind him, Sir Keir says: ‘I just want to make him happy, Lammy. You don’t understand it like I do. ‘I can change it.’

The fake initial statement then adds: ‘I will say anything, I will do anything but take a stand.’

Mr Trump has repeatedly expressed anger at Sir Keir’s reluctance to take a bigger role in the US-Israeli war against Iran, branding him “disappointing” and “unChurchill”.

He also described NATO countries, including Britain, as “cowards” for not sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz.

Polls show the British public is extremely wary of joining the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which is causing a decimation of oil and gas supplies and raising fears of a global recession.

An Opinium poll published at the weekend revealed Sir Keir’s personal ratings have risen 11 points since the start of the strikes, although they remain at a very low level.

Britain has given the green light to US forces to conduct ‘defensive’ operations from its own military areas such as Diego Garcia.

On Friday evening, Sir Keir expanded action to include action aimed at reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz, amid growing panic over oil supplies being cut.

But, Another conflict could be on the horizon, with government sources making clear the UK has not agreed to facilitate attacks on civilian infrastructure.

Mr Trump set a deadline of just before midnight for Iran to ‘fully’ reopen the Strait or face Iran.destruction of power plants.

Sir Keir (pictured in his work last week) gave the green light for US forces to conduct ‘defensive’ operations from military areas such as Diego Garcia.

Mr Trump’s version of the SNL sketch featured Sir Keir’s ‘3. It cuts before a segment where he insists that he cannot join America in starting World War II.

The episode also features the Prime Minister leaving the following voice note for Mr Trump: ‘Hello Donald. I’m afraid I can’t go to war with you.

‘But that doesn’t mean we can’t still be friends.’

Sir Keir gives a list of things the UK and US have done together in the past, including D-Day, but says Rachel and Ross want to ‘take a break’ like in sitcom Friends.

The Sky Original show follows NBC’s late-night comedy show with 75-minute long episodes featuring an opening monologue, topical sketches and a number of segments including a UK version of The Weekend Update.

The US version of Saturday Night Live has been airing since 1975 and is responsible for launching the careers of the likes of Tina Fey, Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy.