David Lammy hosting JD Vance could be THE most unlikely diplomatic friendship in history

Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to welcome US vice-president JD Vance at his official country residence, Chevening, in Kent on Friday, as the pair meet against a backdrop of continuing conflict in Gaza and Ukraine.

Mr Vance is beginning a summer holiday with his family in the UK, and will join Mr Lammy for bilateral talks focused on strengthening UK-US relations before their families come together for the rest of the visit, reports the Guardian.

The two politicians are said to have formed a close friendship, bonding over shared experiences of challenging childhoods and a mutual Christian faith. Mr Lammy previously attended Mass at Mr Vance's Washington home during a visit in March, and now plans to return the gesture by hosting the vice-president at Chevening. The news comes despite Lammy being a long-standing critic of Vance's boss, President Donald Trump, who he likened to a "Neo-Nazi."

The 17th-century Grade I-listed Chevening has long served as the foreign secretary's retreat, though it can be used by other senior cabinet members at the prime minister's discretion.

Their meeting comes during a period of international uncertainty. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at expanding military operations in Gaza, while Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly preparing to meet Donald Trump in the coming days.

Differences between London and Washington have surfaced over Gaza, with Sir Keir Starmer's pledge to recognise a Palestinian state if Israel fails to agree to a ceasefire drawing criticism from US officials.

On Ukraine, Donald Trump recently stated during a UK visit that he would bring forward the deadline for President Putin to agree a ceasefire or face higher tariffs. However, when asked on Thursday whether action would be taken as the deadline approached, the US president said it was "up to" Mr Putin.

Meanwhile, Kremlin sources have suggested that a meeting between the US and Russian presidents could take place as early as next week, despite ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey called on Mr Lammy to use his discussions with Mr Vance to press for tougher American sanctions ahead of any meeting between the two presidents. He warned: "We've been here before: Putin stalling and trying to curry favour with Trump through promises of a ceasefire - before rocking Ukraine with even more bombs. With his self-imposed deadline elapsing tomorrow, Trump needs to put his money where his mouth is and introduce the sanctions he promised on Russia. It would be a disaster if Trump lets himself be fooled by Putin again."

During their UK stay, Mr Vance and his family are also expected to visit Hampton Court Palace and spend time in the Cotswolds.