Boris Johnson sought to play down differences with Joe Biden, claiming the new US President was a “breath of fresh air” and insisting there was “absolutely common ground” over Northern Ireland. But is was a pic of the two together that has got social media talking.
His comments may surprise some as he seemed to be a keen Trump acolyte before he was voted unceremoniously out of office.
The US President’s concerns over the way the UK Government is treating the Protocol with the European Union which governs post-Brexit arrangements on the island of Ireland threatened to overshadow the first meeting between the two leaders.
Following the talks, Mr Johnson said he was “optimistic” the peace process would be kept going.
Asked if Mr Biden made his alarm about the situation in Northern Ireland clear, Boris Johnson said: “No, he didn’t.
“What I can say is that America – the United States, Washington – the UK plus the European Union have one thing we absolutely all want to do and that is to uphold the Belfast Good Friday Agreement and make sure we keep the balance of the peace process going.
“That’s absolutely common ground and I’m optimistic that we can do that.”
Mr Biden’s first overseas visit has provided the US President with the opportunity to repair some of the international relations damaged by predecessor Donald Trump.
Mr Johnson said: “It’s wonderful to listen to the Biden administration and Joe Biden because there’s so much that they want to do together with us – on security, on Nato, to climate change.
“It’s fantastic, it’s a breath of fresh air.”
Pic
But it was this pic, shared by Biden’s official account, that has got people commenting.
The special relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom is stronger than ever. Thank you for hosting me today, Prime Minister Johnson. pic.twitter.com/VTo9kEMhof
— President Biden (@POTUS) June 10, 2021
Reactions
1.
why does this look like Johnson’s just been fired https://t.co/G4ZokeFPyO
— Toby Earle (@TobyonTV) June 10, 2021
2.
“And then the former guy said they called you “Britain Trump” and everybody thought “C’mon, man, he can’t be THAT bad, can he?” So … why don’t you try to be a big-boy and prove them all wrong, ok? Can you do that?” pic.twitter.com/dBJ4Evjxdc
— Mark Kermode (@KermodeMovie) June 11, 2021
3.
“Shush now, son. The grown ups are talking.” pic.twitter.com/gX92cGZZTs
— Joe Scaramanga (@ScaramangaJoe) June 11, 2021
4.
“No, look the big blue bit is called the sea, not splashy land” pic.twitter.com/4Kd6wZtQNL
— joe heenan (@joeheenan) June 11, 2021
5.
— Unnamed Insider (@Unnamedinsider) June 11, 2021
6.
One day, son, none of this will be yours. pic.twitter.com/cmfezzsOwU
— Paul Bernal (@PaulbernalUK) June 11, 2021
7.
— Brian Altano (@agentbizzle) June 10, 2021
8.
“And it was 3000 miles that way where we threw all your tea in the fucking sea and we’ll do it again if you don’t stop being a fisher price Trump” pic.twitter.com/vk3MjTv7N1
— TechnicallyRon (@TechnicallyRon) June 10, 2021
9.
“You just leave your clothes on the beach and start a new life. My lips are sealed.” pic.twitter.com/uZQcpgZYC9
— Mr Roger Quimbly (@RogerQuimbly) June 10, 2021
10.
You can tell it’s a special relationship of equals when they pet you like a dog pic.twitter.com/hp12rzhKrR
— James Felton (@JimMFelton) June 10, 2021
11.
Ireland: pic.twitter.com/3aQPLtq2S7
— Dr. Jennifer Cassidy (@OxfordDiplomat) June 10, 2021
12.
Notice the body language.
— Dominique Samuels? (@dominiquetaegon) June 10, 2021
Biden’s authoritative hand on the PM’s back.
Like he’s talking to a child that just needs some reassurance and direction. https://t.co/wViR9BjggR
13.
Trolled like a badass! Nice one, Mr. President! ???
— Chrissie? Grech (v) (@ChrissieGrech) June 10, 2021
14.
And then he said, “I don’t want to look needy and weak”, so I gave him a big pat on the back” pic.twitter.com/Vs0wWmlXlR
— Grumpy In Bolton (@grumpyinbolton) June 11, 2021
Related: Julia Hartley-Brewer: ‘Northern Ireland a price worth paying to deliver Brexit’