Starmer, Trump To Discuss Trade, Ukraine, Gaza After Pomp-Filled Royal Welcome
Donald Trump meets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday for talks designed to focus the US leader's unprecedented second state visit firmly on global affairs rather than domestic political problems.
- Date & Time:
- |
- Views: 27
- |
- From: India News Bull
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump (File)
US President Donald Trump is set to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday for discussions aimed at shifting the focus of Trump's unprecedented second state visit toward global matters rather than domestic political challenges.
Following a ceremonial day featuring Trump's carriage ride with King Charles and a lavish state banquet, the two leaders will celebrate the unveiling of a substantial £150 billion ($205 billion) US investment package into Britain.
The investment deals, encompassing technology, energy and life sciences sectors, represent a renewal of the historical 'special relationship' between the two nations, which Starmer has actively cultivated since Trump's return to leadership in January.
The meeting comes with certain risks. A joint press conference scheduled for later Thursday could see journalists raise questions about the late Jeffrey Epstein to both leaders.
Starmer recently dismissed Peter Mandelson from his position as US ambassador after his connections to Epstein were revealed, while Trump's own associations with the deceased financier have also faced scrutiny.
"Starmer is experiencing domestic difficulties and requires a positive international narrative while bringing Trump on board for key issues," noted Evie Aspinall, director at the British Foreign Policy Group think tank.
"For Trump, demonstrating the value of maintaining close relations with him is significant. Both sides recognize the potential mutual benefits."
During an appearance alongside King Charles at Windsor Castle, the world's oldest and largest inhabited castle, Trump described his visit as "truly one of the highest honours of my life".
Starmer hopes this positive sentiment will continue through Thursday and discourage the US president from venturing into more sensitive topics, such as Britain's online safety legislation and stance on Israel.
The British leader will instead focus on highlighting the secured bilateral deals, including a new technology agreement involving major companies like Microsoft, Nvidia, Google, and OpenAI, who have committed £31 billion ($42 billion) in investments over coming years in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and civil nuclear energy.
According to official comments downplaying expectations, Starmer appears to have accepted that further reductions on steel and aluminum tariffs are unlikely. Nevertheless, he can emphasize Britain's growing attractiveness for US investment, particularly in financial services, technology, and energy sectors.
Starmer plans to shift discussions toward foreign policy when hosting Trump at his Chequers country residence, hoping to convince the US leader to adopt stronger measures against Russia regarding its invasion of Ukraine.
Trump pleased European leaders by recently labeling Russia as "the aggressor" in the conflict, though he demands Europe cease all Russian oil purchases before agreeing to impose heavier sanctions on Moscow.
Regarding Israel, the British prime minister faces pressure to address the Gaza situation with Trump, who has expressed concerns about Israel's airstrikes against Hamas leaders in Qatar but generally maintains support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump has criticized certain European nations for recognizing a Palestinian state as "rewarding Hamas," though he told reporters he didn't object to Starmer "taking a position".
"Those two geopolitical areas will likely create tension points in their conversations," political analyst Aspinall observed. "There will certainly be some uncomfortable moments during those discussions."
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)