Donald Trump praised Sir Keir Starmer as “a tough negotiator” as the US president announced the two countries were working on a new trade deal following key talks in the White House between the two.
The US president said the UK and US could end up with a deal that would make tariffs unnecessary, and the prime minister said he would work with the US on a new economic deal with advanced technology such as artificial intelligence at its core.
Sir Keir opened his talks with Mr Trump with a charm offensive, delivering an unprecedented second royal invitation for a state visit to him, which the US president readily accepted. It was seen as a huge boost for Sir Keir’s delicate negotiations.
But the president fudged his response when Sir Keir asked for a commitment of more US military support for security in Ukraine if a peace deal with Russia was agreed. The prime minister later said they had discussed a Ukraine peace deal that would be tough and fair.
Mr Trump indicated he would support the UK’s Chagos deal, despite uncertainty caused by fears that it could open up a vital UK-US military base, on Diego Garcia, to foreign interference.
The president said he and Sir Keir “get along famously” as they began their key talks.
Analysis from Political Editor David Maddox: ‘It could not have gone better for prime minister’
Jane Dalton27 February 2025 18:47
Watch: Trump wrongly suggests Ireland is part of UK
Starmer clashes with Vance over vice president’s attack on Europe’s free speech
Sir Keir Starmer appeared to clash with US Vice President JD Vance over his previous attack on Europe’s free speech. America’s relationship with Europe was brought up during Sir Keir’s White House meeting with Donald Trump on Thursday (27 February). Speaking at the Munich Security Conference earlier this. month, Mr Vance accused European governments – including the UK’s, of retreating from their values and ignoring voter concerns on migration and free speech. Mr Vance said US and Europe relations would be discussed at lunch, before he was interrupted by the UK Prime Minister, who told him: “We have had free speech in the United Kingdom for a long time.”
Jane Dalton27 February 2025 21:19
UK and US working on deals on war and trade, says Trump
The UK and US will work towards two deals – on ending the war and striking a trade agreement, Donald Trump said.
Asked whether he believed Vladimir Putin was a man who would keep his word if there is a peace deal, Sir Keir Starmer replied: “I think my views on Putin are pretty well-rehearsed and pretty well-known, and my concern is that if there’s a deal – and I hope there is a deal – that it must be a lasting deal, that it’s not a temporary measure.
“That is why I think it’s really important that Putin knows that this deal, a historic deal which I very much hope comes about, is there and it’s a lasting deal, and that we’re able to deal with any inclination he has to go again or go further.”
Mr Trump said: “I think we’ll have two deals. I think we’ll have a deal on ending the war and I think we’re going to end up with a great trade deal with you.”
Jane Dalton27 February 2025 21:15
Trump says ‘terrific’ trade deal with UK likely
Donald Trump has raised hopes of a trade deal without tariffs between the UK and US.
Asked whether Sir Keir had persuaded him not to impose tariffs, unlike on the rest of Europe, the president replies: “He was working hard. I’ll tell you that.
“He earned whatever the hell they pay him over there.
“But he tried… I think there’s a very good chance that in the case of these two great friendly countries, I think we could very well end up with a real trade deal where the tariffs wouldn’t be necessary. We’ll see.
“But … today he was working hard at lunch. And and I’m very receptive to it.
“I think we, in all fairness, in all seriousness, I think we have a very good chance at arriving in a very good deal. JD and Scott and Howard, all the people are working on it.
“And I think we have a good chance at arriving in a deal that could be terrific, really terrific for both countries.”
Jane Dalton27 February 2025 21:08
Trump heaps praise on Starmer’s ‘beautiful’ accent
Sir Keir Starmer said he was “delighted” he could go back to the King to say US President Donald Trump had accepted his invitation for a second state visit.
After Sir Keir Starmer finished speaking, Mr Trump said: “What a beautiful accent.
“I would have been president 20 years ago if I had that accent.”
Natalie Crockett27 February 2025 20:51
Trade relationship fair and balanced, says Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer hinted the US must not impose trade tariffs.
“We have a $1.5 trillion invested in each other’s economies, creating over 2.5 million jobs across both economies. Our trading relationship is not just strong, it’s fair, balanced and reciprocal,” he told the US president.
Jane Dalton27 February 2025 20:43
Our relationship matters more than ever, Starmer tells Trump
The prime minister has reminded Mr Trump of how the UK and US worked together in the Second World War.
“In a moment of real danger around the world, the relationship, this relationship matters more than ever,” he said.
“We remain each other’s first partner in defence ready to come to the other’s aid to counter threats wherever and whenever they may arise.
“No two militaries are more intertwined than ours. No two countries have done more together to keep people safe.
“And in a few weeks, we mark VE Day, the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe. Britain and America fought side by side to make that happen, one of the greatest moments in our history. We stand side by side still today, and we’re focused now on bringing an enduring end of our direct war in Ukraine.”
Jane Dalton27 February 2025 20:42
Trump ramps up pressure for higher defence spending
The disaster in Ukraine shows why it’s so important for the United Kingdom and other Nato partners to put up to 4% or 5% of GDP into defence, Mr Trump said.
“I know that they’re raising it. I just read an article, a great article, about the work you’re doing in the UK, as to the military, you’re raising it quite a bit, which is a great thing to do for your country, great thing to do,” he said.
“It’s sad that we need that, but probably need that. So congratulations on that. I know you got it through. After years of chronic underfunding there’s an urgent need to catch up for some countries. I want to thank the Prime Minister, once again, for travelling here today.”
Jane Dalton27 February 2025 20:38
Trump says he is working to end Ukraine’s ‘spiral of death’
President Trump said he had been working to begin the process of ending “the spiral of death” in Ukraine, which would either be fairly soon or “not at all”.
Much of the European aid to Ukraine has been sent in the form of loans for which they expect to be paid back, Mr Trump claimed. “And we didn’t have that honor under the Biden administration.”
Jane Dalton27 February 2025 20:35