Starmer’s high-stakes Trump meeting: An analysis of the new UK-US relationship | The Daily T
Keir Starmer has returned from a whirlwind diplomatic trip to Washington DC, where he met with former President Donald Trump to discuss several key international issues that could have far-reaching implications. The meeting covered a range of topics, including the highly consequential matter of a potential Ukrainian peace agreement, a much-anticipated UK-US trade deal, and the ongoing dispute over the Chagos Islands.
The visit seems to have yielded mixed results for Starmer. On one hand, Trump cautiously expressed support for the UK’s position on the Chagos Islands and indicated that the UK could potentially avoid tariffs in future trade agreements. However, there was less clarity on the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine, which has been a focal point of international concern.
Despite these uncertainties, Trump was notably complimentary of Starmer, calling him a “tough negotiator” and praising him as a “very special person.” The former president also took a moment to praise Starmer’s wife, Victoria, calling her a “beautiful, great woman,” highlighting the personal rapport that seems to have developed between the two leaders.
In a rare moment of diplomatic flourish, Starmer presented Trump with a hand-written invitation for an “unprecedented” second state visit from King Charles. This gesture seemed to have left a lasting impression on Trump, who appeared genuinely flattered by the offer.
Present at the Oval Office during the pivotal discussions was Telegraph political editor Ben Riley-Smith, who quickly made his way to the Daily T studio to provide an insider’s perspective on what it was like to witness the budding transatlantic camaraderie between Starmer and Trump.
Kamal was joined by the new Daily T co-host Cleo Watson, a former aide to both Boris Johnson and Theresa May, who played a key role in preparing the latter for her 2017 White House visit. Sir Simon Fraser, former permanent under-secretary to the Foreign Office, was also present to shed light on the meticulous planning that goes into organising major diplomatic trips of this magnitude.
While the trip was seen as a diplomatic success on some fronts, bad news awaited Starmer upon his return to the UK. The panel raised concerns over the resignation of Anneliese Dodds, the Minister of State for Development, who stepped down in protest over the government's decision to cut international aid in order to fund an increase in defense spending. This development has raised questions about the long-term political ramifications for Starmer and his leadership as he navigates growing tensions within his own party and the broader international stage.
Trump set to back Starmer Chagos deal
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/02/27/trump-set-to-back-starmer-over-chagos-deal/
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The visit seems to have yielded mixed results for Starmer. On one hand, Trump cautiously expressed support for the UK’s position on the Chagos Islands and indicated that the UK could potentially avoid tariffs in future trade agreements. However, there was less clarity on the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine, which has been a focal point of international concern.
Despite these uncertainties, Trump was notably complimentary of Starmer, calling him a “tough negotiator” and praising him as a “very special person.” The former president also took a moment to praise Starmer’s wife, Victoria, calling her a “beautiful, great woman,” highlighting the personal rapport that seems to have developed between the two leaders.
In a rare moment of diplomatic flourish, Starmer presented Trump with a hand-written invitation for an “unprecedented” second state visit from King Charles. This gesture seemed to have left a lasting impression on Trump, who appeared genuinely flattered by the offer.
Present at the Oval Office during the pivotal discussions was Telegraph political editor Ben Riley-Smith, who quickly made his way to the Daily T studio to provide an insider’s perspective on what it was like to witness the budding transatlantic camaraderie between Starmer and Trump.
Kamal was joined by the new Daily T co-host Cleo Watson, a former aide to both Boris Johnson and Theresa May, who played a key role in preparing the latter for her 2017 White House visit. Sir Simon Fraser, former permanent under-secretary to the Foreign Office, was also present to shed light on the meticulous planning that goes into organising major diplomatic trips of this magnitude.
While the trip was seen as a diplomatic success on some fronts, bad news awaited Starmer upon his return to the UK. The panel raised concerns over the resignation of Anneliese Dodds, the Minister of State for Development, who stepped down in protest over the government's decision to cut international aid in order to fund an increase in defense spending. This development has raised questions about the long-term political ramifications for Starmer and his leadership as he navigates growing tensions within his own party and the broader international stage.
Trump set to back Starmer Chagos deal
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2025/02/27/trump-set-to-back-starmer-over-chagos-deal/
Watch episodes of the Daily T here. You can also listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and subscribe to The Daily T newsletter for updates.
Telegraph.co.uk and YouTube.com/TelegraphTV are websites of The Telegraph, the UK's best-selling quality daily newspaper providing news and analysis on UK and world events, business, sport, lifestyle and culture.
Follow us for more on:
TikTok: @DailyTPodcast
X: @DailyTPodcast
Instagram: @DailyTPodcast
Stay updated and join the conversation for straight talking and free thinking
#KeirStarmer #DonaldTrump #UKUSRelations #WhiteHouse #TradeDeal #Brexit #ChagosIslands #ForeignPolicy #UKTrade #USPolitics #UKPolitics #SpecialRelationship
