Prime Minister Mark Carney, right, is greeted by High Commissioner Bill Blair as he arrives at Stanstead airport near London, England, Sunday, March 15, 2026. (Image Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

By David Baxter/ The Canadian Press

Politics

Carney meeting Keir Starmer in London as Iran war disrupts shipping routes

Mar 16, 2026 | 4:16 AM

LONDON — Prime Minister Mark Carney met Monday with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, and while both remarked the world has become a more challenging place since their first meeting a year ago, neither named a specific issue.

Bill Blair, Canada’s high commissioner to the U.K., has said the two leaders are expected to discuss the war in Iran, collective security and economic shifts.

On Monday, Starmer met Carney at 10 Downing Street and wished him a happy 61st birthday.

Both leaders commended each other for their support of Ukraine in its war against Russia and discussed the importance of applying their shared values to other global issues.

“It was about a year ago today, I’d just been sworn in as prime minister and came here. And we agreed to work closely on a number of international issues and also to tighten our bilateral ties,” Carney said. “Now, of course, the number of issues has multiplied.”

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“I think the opportunity we’ve got to put together our values, our principles, and apply them to a very volatile world is really important this morning,” Starmer said.

Carney is also scheduled to meet with King Charles before beginning his vacation following the trip that also saw him meet with Nordic leaders in Norway.

Carney’s visit comes on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump urging allies to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz as Iran continues to strike vessels in the shipping route.

A readout issued by 10 Downing Street says Starmer and Trump spoke Sunday about the importance of reopening the strait.

Carney has said that despite beginning his vacation after this trip, he will remain in close contact with his staff as volatility in the Middle East continues.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 16, 2026.