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Rishi Sunak stated that Britain “discourages” the use of cluster bombs, shortly after Joe Biden agreed to supply these controversial weapons to Ukraine. This suggests that the two transatlantic allies may not be aligned in their approach.
The British prime minister is set to discuss this matter with Biden during their meeting on Monday. They will convene in Britain before attending a Nato summit in Vilnius, Lithuania later in the week.
Unlike the US, Britain has signed an international convention that prohibits the use of cluster munitions due to the harm they cause to civilians, even long after conflicts have ended. Sunak noted that the convention discourages their use, without directly criticizing Biden’s decision.
US officials announced on Friday that their country would supply these weapons to Ukraine. Biden admitted that it was a difficult decision, which took time for him to be convinced of, but emphasized the urgent need for ammunition for Ukrainian forces.
Both the US and Britain are major suppliers of weapons to Ukraine, and Sunak and Biden share a similar stance on the conflict. They recently had successful talks in Washington. Additionally, the two countries align on various geopolitical strategic matters, including the Aukus pact in the Pacific region.
Amanda Sloat, senior director for Europe at the National Security Council, anticipates that Biden and Sunak’s meeting will primarily focus on Nato and Ukraine. She believes it will be an opportunity for them to discuss recent developments and ongoing efforts in support of Ukraine.
Biden’s main objective is to visit King Charles at Windsor, although this is not an official state visit. His schedule is tight, with visits to 10 Downing Street, Windsor Castle, and Stansted airport all planned within a few hours.
A US official stressed the importance of both meetings, emphasizing the need for close coordination with the UK, their closest ally.
In response to criticism about Biden’s absence from King Charles III’s coronation in May, Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, clarified that Biden had a phone call with the King to congratulate him. Historically, US presidents have not attended British monarch coronations.
Recent tensions between the US and the UK regarding Northern Ireland have eased after Sunak negotiated the Windsor framework deal with the EU earlier this year.
Nevertheless, Sloat confirmed that Biden remains committed to working in partnership with the UK and Ireland to ensure peace, prosperity, and stability in the broader region.
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