On Friday, August 8th, US Vice President JD Vance visited the UK and met with the British Foreign Secretary David Lammy in southern England. Vance mentioned that while the US and the UK may have differences in handling the Gaza crisis, their goal is the same – to end the crisis.
Vance, along with his wife Usha and three children, flew to London that day and immediately headed to Chevening House in Sevenoaks, Kent – the statutory Grade I summer residence of the British Foreign Secretary and the location of the bilateral meeting.
Prior to the meeting, Vance stated that the US and the UK have differences on the issue of recognizing the state of Palestine, but “our goal is the same, which is to resolve the Middle East crisis. We may have differences in how to achieve this goal, and we will discuss this issue today.” He reiterated that the US has no plans to recognize Palestine and questioned the significance of doing so “in the absence of a functioning government locally.”
In contrast, the UK, along with France and Canada, has stated that they will recognize Palestine to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the Gaza conflict and humanitarian crisis.
In October 2023, Hamas attacked southern Israel, resulting in over 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken, sparking the ongoing conflict. Gaza’s health authorities controlled by Hamas claim that over 60,000 Palestinians have died in airstrikes. Recently, the situation in Gaza has worsened with reports of dozens dying due to malnutrition.
According to Reuters, when asked about President Trump implying that Vance could be his “potential successor” in the 2028 presidential election earlier this week, Vance responded by emphasizing that the current focus is on “doing the job for the American people.”
He said, “I am not even focusing on the 2026 elections, let alone what may happen in one or two years.” He was referring to next year’s US midterm elections.
Earlier on Friday, Vance and UK Foreign Secretary Lammy went fishing by the lake behind the mansion in a relaxed atmosphere. Vance joked that the only thing that “really tested the special relationship between the US and the UK” was all three of his children catching fish while Lammy returned empty-handed.
Lammy later responded on the social media platform X, saying, “Before the bilateral talks commenced, the vice president taught me some Kentucky-style fishing techniques.” The two men bonded over similar backgrounds and shared Christian faith, forming a personal friendship. Vance stated, “I have truly become (Lammy’s) good friend, and Lammy has become my good friend.”
After the meeting, the Vance family will head to Cotswolds for a vacation and visit Hampton Court Palace, possibly including a visit to the US military stationed in the UK. Just a few weeks ago, President Trump had concluded his trip to Scotland.