US President Donald Trump is set to host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his Turnberry golf resort in western Scotland on Monday for high-level talks expected to cover trade, the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and broader foreign policy concerns, both governments have confirmed.
The meeting follows Trump’s announcement late Sunday of a sweeping trade deal with the European Union. Though the UK is not party to the deal, Trump said he expected Starmer to welcome the development.
“The prime minister of the UK, while he’s not involved in this, will be very happy because you know, there’s a certain unity that’s been brought there, too,” Trump said. “He’s going to be very happy to see what we did.”
Starmer, who had hoped to use the meeting to negotiate a reduction in US tariffs on steel and aluminium, is unlikely to make progress on that front. Trump ruled out any change to the 50% tariffs imposed on the EU and declared that Washington’s trade agreement with Britain has already been “concluded.”
After their meeting at Turnberry on Scotland’s west coast, the two leaders are expected to travel east to Trump’s other estate near Aberdeen.
Starmer is arriving from Switzerland, where he attended England’s victory in the Women’s European Championship final on Sunday.
However, the Gaza conflict is likely to dominate talks amid growing global alarm over images of severe hunger in the enclave. A British government source confirmed on Sunday that Starmer has recalled his ministers from summer recess for an urgent cabinet meeting, expected to centre on Gaza and the increasing calls at home and abroad to recognise a Palestinian state.
Starmer said on Friday that Britain would recognise a Palestinian state only as part of a negotiated peace agreement — a position that has disappointed some in his Labour Party, who want the UK to follow France’s lead and act more swiftly.
President Trump also weighed in on the issue last week, rejecting French President Emmanuel Macron’s intention to recognise Palestinian statehood. Macron’s stance, following similar moves by Spain, Norway and Ireland, has drawn criticism from Israel.
Trump acknowledged that Starmer intended to raise Israel and Gaza during their talks. He added that while the US would increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, he wanted more countries to contribute. The leaders are also expected to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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