U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday at his Turnberry golf resort in western Scotland, where the two leaders are expected to discuss a range of issues—from a newly sealed bilateral trade deal to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The meeting follows Trump’s announcement of a major trade agreement with the European Union late Sunday. Trump expressed optimism that Starmer would welcome the breakthrough despite the UK not being directly involved.
“The prime minister of the UK, while he’s not involved in this, will be very happy,” Trump said. “There’s a certain unity that’s been brought there, too. He’s going to be very happy to see what we did.”
Although Starmer had hoped to negotiate a reduction in U.S. steel and aluminium tariffs, Trump has ruled out any revision to the current 50% tariffs for the EU and declared the UK trade agreement “concluded.”
Following their meeting in Turnberry, the two leaders are expected to travel to another of Trump’s Scottish properties near Aberdeen.
Their talks will also address pressing global concerns, notably the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Dozens have reportedly died of malnutrition in recent weeks, with international aid organisations warning of widespread hunger among Gaza’s 2.2 million residents.
The war in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas-led militants launched a deadly attack on southern Israel, has claimed nearly 60,000 lives in the Palestinian enclave, according to Gaza health officials. Israel’s response has left much of the territory in ruins and displaced almost its entire population.
Starmer has faced growing pressure at home to recognise a Palestinian state following similar moves by France, Spain, Norway, and Ireland. However, the UK prime minister has stated that any recognition would be part of a broader peace settlement.
On Sunday, Starmer recalled his cabinet from summer recess for an emergency meeting likely focused on Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump reiterated the U.S. would increase humanitarian aid to the region but urged other countries to contribute more as well.
Trump also dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent pledge to recognise a Palestinian state, aligning with Israeli objections.
In addition to Gaza, the leaders are expected to touch on the situation in Ukraine. Starmer arrived in Scotland from Switzerland, where England’s national team had just celebrated a victory in the Women’s European Championship final.
The high-profile meeting in Scotland blends diplomatic formality with Trump’s signature resort diplomacy, and it comes at a pivotal moment for both leaders as they navigate growing global instability.
Reuters/s.s