UK PM Starmer fights to shield Britain from Trump’s trade wrath as Ukraine peace deal teeters

Donald Trump has hinted at a potential tariff-free trade deal between the US and UK after meeting with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the White House. The meeting, part of Starmer’s European diplomatic efforts on Ukraine, saw both leaders exchange warm remarks. While Trump praised Starmer as a “tough negotiator,” he suggested the UK might avoid trade tariffs. Discussions also covered Ukraine, where Starmer pushed for a lasting peace while Trump emphasised urgency. Starmer presented a letter from King Charles III inviting Trump for a second state visit. The UK leader will continue diplomatic talks, including hosting President Zelenskyy in London.

The meeting came amid concerns over transatlantic relations, particularly after Trump’s administration engaged in unilateral talks with Russia. While Starmer reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Ukraine, Trump offered no concrete security guarantees but mentioned that American workers in Ukraine could play a stabilising role in any future peace deal.

Beyond trade and Ukraine, the leaders discussed the UK’s decision to relinquish sovereignty over the Chagos Islands while leasing back a key US-UK military base, a move Trump supported. The visit also included a gift exchange, with Starmer presenting Trump with a family tartan golf cap and Downing Street golf balls, while Trump gifted him a US football jersey with his name and number 10.

THE INDEPENDENT

Keir Starmer’s high-stakes White House visit saw him push for a swift UK-US trade deal while trying to secure stronger US security guarantees for Ukraine, but the outcome was mixed. Trump, praising Starmer as a “tough negotiator,” hinted at a deal without tariffs but avoided firm commitments on Ukraine’s defense, instead pushing for Kyiv to repay US military aid through mineral rights—a controversial move Starmer acknowledged had “validity.” Despite extending an unprecedented second royal invitation to Trump, the UK prime minister left Washington with trade optimism but no concrete security pledges, raising questions about the true cost of aligning with Trump’s transactional diplomacy.

BBC NEWS

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer met US President Donald Trump at the White House, marking Starmer’s first visit. The meeting featured a surprise invitation from King Charles III for Trump’s second state visit, which Trump accepted. While their press conference had moments of mutual praise, Trump dominated the discussions, sidestepping key issues like UK trade tariffs and security guarantees for Ukraine. He also backtracked on calling Zelensky a “dictator” and hinted at supporting the UK’s Chagos Islands deal. Starmer defended the UK’s free speech record against US criticism, highlighting both cooperation and tension in their evolving relationship. Despite differences in political style, the two leaders emphasized shared patriotism. Trump joked about Starmer’s “beautiful” accent, while Starmer described Trump as a “tough negotiator.” The meeting set the stage for future discussions on trade, security, and diplomacy between the two allies.