SCOTLAND – July 28, 2025:
U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday at his Turnberry golf resort in western Scotland, with discussions expected to span trade, the Gaza humanitarian crisis, and broader geopolitical concerns.
The meeting follows Trump’s recent announcement of a substantial trade deal with the European Union. While the UK was not part of that agreement, Trump suggested Prime Minister Starmer would welcome the momentum it brings to transatlantic relations.
“He’s going to be very happy to see what we did,” Trump told reporters on Sunday.
Despite UK hopes for progress on U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, Trump reaffirmed that the 50% duties would remain unchanged and said the UK-US trade agreement was already “concluded.”
Gaza, Ukraine, and Diplomatic Pressures
Beyond trade, the worsening situation in Gaza looms over the summit. With starvation and malnutrition on the rise in the besieged enclave, global concern is mounting. Starmer has called back his ministers from summer recess to discuss the crisis, as international pressure intensifies on the UK to recognize a Palestinian state.
However, Starmer reiterated the UK would only support Palestinian statehood as part of a broader negotiated peace, a stance that has drawn criticism within his own Labour Party, especially after France moved towards recognition last week.
Trump, who dismissed French President Emmanuel Macron’s move, confirmed the US plans to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza but called for more nations to contribute. The leaders are also expected to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine.
After their initial talks at Turnberry, the two leaders plan to continue discussions at Trump’s other property in northeastern Scotland, near Aberdeen. Starmer arrives in Scotland following England’s victory in the Women’s European Championship final in Switzerland.
