Trump’s UK State Visit Turns To Diplomacy As Starmer Hosts Talks At Chequers

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

After the pomp and pageantry of royal hospitality, US President Donald Trump’s unprecedented second state visit to the United Kingdom is set to take a more serious turn on Thursday as he meets Prime Minister Keir Starmer for high-level talks.

Starmer will welcome Trump at his official country residence, Chequers, with discussions expected to centre on trade, the war in Ukraine, and the conflict in Gaza.

The prime minister has sought to position himself as a bridge between the unpredictable US leader and European allies, particularly in efforts to bolster Western support for Kyiv. His warmer tone towards Trump—markedly different from his stance while in opposition—has already eased tensions in the ongoing trade dispute. In May, the two countries signed an “economic prosperity deal” at the White House.

Britain now hopes to secure further concessions, notably the removal of 25 per cent tariffs on aluminium and steel. However, Trump’s guarded remarks suggest that a breakthrough may not be forthcoming.