JD Vance, Donald Trump’s vice-presidential selection, sparked controversy by suggesting that the UK could become the first “truly Islamist country” to acquire nuclear weapons after Labour’s election victory. Vance, an Ohio senator and author of Hillbilly Elegy, made these remarks at a conference for US Conservatives.
This comment may cause discomfort for UK’s foreign secretary, David Lammy, who has recently tried to establish a rapport with Vance, drawing parallels between their humble beginnings. Speaking at the National Conservatism conference, Vance said, “I have to beat up on the UK – just one additional thing… what is the first truly Islamist country that will get a nuclear weapon, and we sort of finally decided maybe it’s actually the UK, since Labour just took over.
Lammy previously referred to Vance as a friend during a speech at the Hudson Institute in May. Despite his past criticism of Trump as a backbench MP, Lammy has since advocated for cooperation between the US and UK under a potential Trump presidency.
Responding to Vance’s comments, deputy prime minister Angela Rayner expressed her disagreement, stating she doesn’t recognize his portrayal of the UK under Labour. She emphasized her pride in Labour’s recent election success and their commitment to governing for the benefit of all Britons and international allies.
Vance’s selection as Trump’s running mate comes just days after the former president narrowly evaded an assassination attempt. Despite Vance’s previous criticism of Trump’s Islamophobic rhetoric, he has emerged as a prominent young Conservative and fervent Trump supporter.
However, Vance’s appointment may raise concerns in Brussels due to his staunch opposition to Washington’s aid for Ukraine against Russian invasion. He previously attempted to block a bill for additional Ukrainian aid in the Senate and questioned the extent of the threat posed by the Russian president to Europe.
