Donald Trump praised Sir Keir Starmer as “a tough negotiator” - but the prime minister failed to secure key concessions over Ukraine in critical White House talks.
In a win for the prime minister, the US president said the two nations could end up with a trade deal without tariffs, and Sir Keir said he would work with the US on a new economic deal with 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, which the US president readily accepted. It was seen as a huge boost for the PM’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.
Key Points
- Trump says 'terrific' trade deal with UK likely
- US president hints UK may escape US tariffs
- President dodges prime minister's plea for Ukraine security guarantees
- President indicates he will back Starmer's Chagos deal
- Trump accepts King's second state visit invitation
- US businesses in Ukraine would be backstop, says Trump
Analysis from Political Editor David Maddox: 'It could not have gone better for prime minister'
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:47
,
Jane Dalton
In pictures: Starmer meets Trump
04:02
,
Jane Dalton
Trump gushes at invite from the King of Canada as Starmer charms president in the Oval Office
03:30
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
The British prime minister is not known for his charm, but he brought a secret weapon with him to disarm Trump, writes Richard Hall:
When ‘Mr Charisma’ met ‘Mr Logic’: body language expert’s verdict on the Trump-Starmer meeting
02:55
,
Maroosha Muzaffar
When Keir Starmer met Donald Trump in the White House for Thursday’s high-stakes meeting over the future of US-UK relations, the messaging each projected wasn’t confined to words alone.
From the power of the handshakes, to their tender gestures during the televised Oval Office chat, and the way each stood apart during the later White House press conference, the pair could not be more “mismatched”, according to body language expert Caroline Goyder.
“Trump is the silverback, totally relaxed, totally grounded, you know, on his home turf. And the difference, it couldn't be starker,” Ms Goyder told ITV on Thursday night after viewing footage of the US and UK leaders as they prepared to discuss advances in security and trade.
“Whatever you think about Donald Trump, he is Mr Charisma with Mr Logic... Mr Legal. And so it's amazing, It's like Mars and Venus.”
Read the full story here:
Opinion: Why Starmer is so wrong on foreign aid
02:45
,
Jane Dalton
The choice to cut foreign aid is egregious on so many levels, writes MP Andrew Mitchell:
Watch: Trump and Starmer’s first words to each other
01:20
,
Jane Dalton
European nations must do more on defence, says PM
00:15
,
Jane Dalton
Sir Keir Starmer has confirmed he will meet leaders of 18 countries on Sunday to discuss the Ukraine war and stressed the importance of European countries doing more "in the defence and security of Europe".
Asked whether he had been in discussions with other European countries about the peacekeeping deal and whether any Commonwealth countries may join, Sir Keir said: "Yes, I've spoken to a number of countries, particularly in the last few weeks.
"We had a meeting in Paris last week. I've got a meeting on Sunday with 18 countries to further our discussions.
"Obviously we've been talking quite intensely to our French colleagues and to Nato, but to other countries as well, because, as I say, I think it's important for European countries including the United Kingdom to step up and do more in the defence and security of Europe and our continent and the United Kingdom, and we will do so."
UK and US agree to 'move forward' on new economic deal involving tech and AI, Starmer says
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:29
,
Angus Thompson
One of the key takeaways from the meeting between Keir Starmer and Donald Trump was the potential for a trade agreement to be struck between both nations.
Trade has been a cause of major anxiety for the UK coming into the meeting after Trump announced tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China, and the EU.
Trump praised Starmer’s negotiating skills and hinted both nations could avoid a deal without tariffs.
Here’s what Sir Keir had to tell Fox News: “Well, I think that the trading relationship between the US and UK is very good trading relationship.
“We've got billions invested in each other's economies, and it's fair and it's balanced. There's a surplus actually in favor of the US, so we're in a different position to perhaps others.
“And what we've agreed today is to move forward to a new economic deal, and our teams are now starting to work on that, particularly on things like tech and AI.”
Starmer quizzed over King's reaction to Trump's proposed annexation of Canada
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:22
,
Angus Thompson
Sir Keir was asked what he believed the King thought about Trump’s desire to pull Canada into the United States, as the Monarch is the head of state in the Commonwealth country.
The prime minister declined to answer, saying it was not for him to speak on the King’s behalf regarding world affairs.
“His Majesty obviously will express himself in his own way, but it's not for me to express his views,” he said.
However, he went on to celebrate the invitation from King Charles for Trump to visit the UK.
“This is a very special invitation, because it's an invitation to the president from His Majesty the King for a second state visit. That's unprecedented. That's not happened before. That is history in the making, and I'm very pleased to be able to go back to His Majesty and tell him that President Trump has agreed,” he said.
PM flatters president but awkward 'free speech' moment
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:20
,
Jane Dalton
Starmer refers to exchange with JD Vance over free speech concerns
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:15
,
Angus Thompson
The interview has largely centred on the Ukraine war, however the prime minister was asked about vice president JD Vance’s comments during the recent Munich security conference, in which he warned European societies were infringing on free speech.
Sir Keir laughed as he recounted the exchange he and Mr Vance had during the Oval Office meeting earlier, in which he corrected the vice president over the UK’s record on free speech.
“Well, we actually had some exchanges today about things like freedom of speech,” he said during the interview.
“We got very well, by the way, we had a really good discussion over lunch, and I made clear we have had freedom of speech in the United Kingdom for a very, very long time and we guard it preciously,” Sir Keir said.
Starmer speaks to Fox News after Trump White House meeting
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:07
,
Angus Thompson
Keir Starmer is now holding an interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier.
Sir Keir said the main message he was aiming to push while meeting with US president Donald Trump was the continuation of the “special relationship” between the UK and United States.
“It's such a deep relationship covering defense, security, intelligence, trade. For years, we've been the closest of allies, and there's a shared determination the president and I to take that forward to another level, and that's why coming out today, our teams are going to be working on trade and working on security measures, particularly in relation to Ukraine,” he said.
Sketch: Trump gushes at invitation from 'King of Canada'
Thursday 27 February 2025 23:00
,
Jane Dalton
Watch: Starmer and Trump’s joint press conference in full
Thursday 27 February 2025 22:40
,
Jane Dalton
AI could cure cancer, Starmer claims
Thursday 27 February 2025 22:07
,
Jane Dalton
The prime minister announced the UK and US would work on a deal on artificial intelligence, hailing the prospect of its curing cancer.
He said: “We're the only two Western countries with trillion-dollar tech sectors leaders in AI. And look, we take a similar approach on this issue.
“Instead of over-regulating these new technologies, we're seizing the opportunities that they offer.
“So we've decided today to go further, to bring work on a new economic deal with advanced technology at its core.
“Look our two nations together shaped the great technological innovations of the last century, we have a chance now to do the same for the 21st century.
“I mean, artificial intelligence could cure cancer. That could be a moonshot for our age.”
Don't reward Russia, Starmer warns Trump
Thursday 27 February 2025 21:42
,
Jane Dalton
Sir Keir Starmer applauded the US president’s push to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but said that "it can't be peace that rewards the aggressor".
"History must be on the side of the peacemaker, not the invader," Starmer told reporters, with Trump by his side.
Watch: Trump wrongly suggests Ireland is part of UK
Thursday 27 February 2025 21:19
,
Jane Dalton
UK and US working on deals on war and trade, says Trump
Thursday 27 February 2025 21:15
,
Jane Dalton
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."
Trump says 'terrific' trade deal with UK likely
Thursday 27 February 2025 21:08
,
Jane Dalton
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.”
Trump heaps praise on Starmer's 'beautiful' accent
Thursday 27 February 2025 20:51
,
Natalie Crockett
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."
Trade relationship fair and balanced, says Starmer
Thursday 27 February 2025 20:43
,
Jane Dalton
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.
Our relationship matters more than ever, Starmer tells Trump
Thursday 27 February 2025 20:42
,
Jane Dalton
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.”
Trump ramps up pressure for higher defence spending
Thursday 27 February 2025 20:38
,
Jane Dalton
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.”
Trump says he is working to end Ukraine's 'spiral of death'
Thursday 27 February 2025 20:35
,
Jane Dalton
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.”
Trump praises 'tough negotiator' Starmer
Thursday 27 February 2025 20:30
,
Jane Dalton
Donald Trump praised Sir Keir but said he was a tough negotiator.
He pledged to keep the relationship between the two countries very strong.
Thursday 27 February 2025 20:29
,
Jane Dalton
The press conference is beginning.
Thursday 27 February 2025 20:27
,
Jane Dalton
A press conference with Donald Trump and Sir Keir Starmer is due to begin very shortly. Journalists from around the world have crowded into the room at the White House.
Starmer defends UK's free speech after Vance attack
Thursday 27 February 2025 20:17
,
Jane Dalton
Sir Keir Starmer has said he is "very proud" of free speech in the UK following criticism from US Vice-President JD Vance.
Mr Vance said during a speech at the Munich Security Conference earlier this month that European governments, including the UK's, had retreated from their values and ignored voter concerns on migration and free speech.
Sitting alongside the Prime Minister and Donald Trump, Mr Vance responded to a question about these remarks: "Look, I said what I said, which is that we do have, of course, a special relationship with our friends in the UK, and also some of our European allies.
"But we also know that there have been infringements on free speech that actually affect not just the British - of course what the British do in their own country is up to them - but also affect American technology companies and, by extension, American citizens, so that is something that we'll talk about today at lunch."
Sir Keir responded: "Well, we've had free speech for a very, very long time in the United Kingdom and it will last for a very, very long time.
"Certainly, we wouldn't want to reach across US citizens, and we don't, and that's absolutely right, but in relation to free speech in the UK I'm very proud of our history there."
Watch live: Starmer and Trump hold joint press conference
Thursday 27 February 2025 20:13
,
Jane Dalton
Trump dodges Starmer plea for Ukraine security guarantees
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:59
,
Jane Dalton
Donald Trump said a minerals deal with Ukraine was the security guarantee Kyiv needs against Russia, brushing aside a plea from Prime Minister Keir Starmer for a commitment of more US military support.
Sir Keir had turned on the charm, saying peace in Ukraine had only become possible because of Mr Trump.
Before the meeting, the prime minister had argued that there could be no long-term peace in Ukraine without firm US security guarantees - an argument Trump all but dismissed.
"We are a backstop because we'll be over there, we'll be working," as a result of the economic partnership, Trump said. "We're going to have a lot of people over there."
Watch: Trump praises The Independent
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:56
,
Jane Dalton
US businesses in Ukraine would be backstop, says Trump
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:50
,
Jane Dalton
Donald Trump has suggested the presence of US businesses in Ukraine under a deal with Volodymyr Zelensky would act as an effective "backstop" against another Russian invasion if a ceasefire is agreed.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has already said he is prepared to deploy British troops in a force to safeguard any peace deal, but only if the US offers security guarantees to European soldiers.
Asked whether he could see a situation where US forces could be deployed as a backstop, the US president said: "Well, there is a backstop. First, you have European countries, because they're right there, we're very far away, we have an ocean between us.
"But we want to make sure it works. So, I don't know when you say backstop you mean a backstop psychologically, militarily or what.
"We are a backstop because we'll be over there, we'll be working in the country. That's a great thing economically for them because when you talk about economic development we're going to have a lot of people over there.”
Asked if the US would aid British peacekeepers if they were attacked by Russia, Mr Trump said: "I've always found about the British. They don't need much help ... they can take care of themselves ... it sounds like it's evasive but it's not evasive.”
Starmer corrects Trump on claim Europe would recoup cash from Ukraine
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:43
,
Natalie Crockett
Sir Keir Starmer corrected Donald Trump when the President claimed Europe but not the US was getting back some of the cash it has provided to Ukraine.
Mr Trump was asked by reporters what message he would send to Volodymyr Zelensky to assure him Ukraine's sovereignty would not be at threat.
The President replied: "He's coming, perhaps he's already on his way, and we're going to be signing the deal together, probably in front of the media, and we're going to be having a good conversation. No, we want to work with him, President Zelensky."
Mr Trump said he had a "very good relationship" with the Ukrainian leader, adding: "It maybe got a little bit testy because we wanted to have a little bit of what the European nations had. You know, they they get their money back by giving money, we don't get the money back. Biden made a deal. He put in 350 billion dollars and I thought it was a very unfair situation."
Sir Keir intervened to say: "We're not getting all of ours. I mean, quite a bit of ours was gifted. It was given. There were some loans, but mainly it was gifted actually."
It comes after French President Emmanuel Macron corrected Mr Trump on the same point during his visit to Washington earlier this week.
Starmer urged to challenge Trump on Andrew Tate travel ban 'lifting'
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:37
,
Jane Dalton
Starmer and Trump White House press conference delayed
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:35
A press conference between Starmer and Trump had been due to begin at 7pm GMT but appears to be running behind.
We understand it’s due to begin shortly. We’ll bring you the latest updates as we get them.
UK-US bond 'greatest for security in world ever', says Starmer
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:33
,
Jane Dalton
Sir Keir Starmer said the alliance between the US and the UK was "the greatest alliance for prosperity and security ... the world has ever seen".
President Donald Trump said to the prime minister: "You have done very well over the years, haven't you?"
Sir Keir replied: "We have, I'm very proud of our country - but we've also always been there backing each other up.
"That is why this is the greatest alliance for prosperity and security, I think, the world has ever seen.
"Whenever necessary, we've absolutely backed each other up."
Mr Trump then asked: "Could you take on Russia by yourselves?"
Sir Keir smiled and said: "Well..."
Watch: Trump signals good news for Britain on tariffs
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:29
,
Jane Dalton
Watch: Trump compliments Starmer's wife
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:10
,
Jane Dalton
Trump hints UK may escape US tariffs
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:07
,
Jane Dalton
Donald Trump has said he will "have to take a look" at whether there will be any trade sanctions on the UK after previously threatening to extend tariffs on the EU.
Mr Trump said: "I can say that ... we're here for a different reason - we're talking about a very different place.
"I have investments there, I own Turnberry, I own Aberdeen, and I own a great place called Doonbeg in Ireland.
"So, I have a great warm spot for your country."
Sir Keir Starmer then said: "And our trade, obviously, is fair and balanced and, in fact, you've got a bit of surplus.
"So, we're in a different position there - and obviously we contributed hugely in relation to Ukraine."
Mr Trump said: "It's going to work out."
Trump praises prime minister's wife as 'beautiful, great' woman
Thursday 27 February 2025 19:00
President Trump raised eyebrows when he brought the prime minister’s wife, Victoria, into the discussion.
Asked about his relationship with Sir Keir Starmer, Mr Trump replied: "We’ve met a couple of times and I’m very impressed with him. I'm very impressed with his wife. She's a beautiful, great woman."
Sir Keir said he seconded that.
Analysis: Oval Office meeting could not have gone better for Starmer
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:53
,
Jane Dalton
Keir Starmer has been fretting about this meeting with Donald Trump since he took off from the UK last night but really he could not have been happier with how things went initially, writes David Maddox.
It was very clear in the Oval Office that the body language of Mr Trump in particular was very warm and the prime minister quickly warmed to it.
Mr Trump was extremely gracious about Keir Starmer and leaned on their similarities of “loving their countries”.
But, as predicted by The Independent, Sir Keir quickly and effectively played the Royal trump card in winning over the US president. His flourish at the start with the King’s letter making Trump the first person to be given two state visits went straight to the president’s heart.
More importantly for Starmer, it appears that he is edging towards persuading Trump to provide a Ukraine backstop and has persuaded him to agree to the Chagos Islands deal.
This latter point after heavy lobbying of Trump against giving the islands to Mauritius by Nigel Farage and his allies.
Keir Starmer looked and sounded like a statesman, with a confidence in his voice which has not really been present since he won the election last July.
The issues of Lord Mandelson’s credentials being potentially rejected as ambassador and free speech and Elon Musk suddenly seemed very distant on a good day for the PM.
King is 'beautiful, wonderful' man, says Trump
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:51
,
Jane Dalton
The Prime Minister said the invitation from the King to Donald Trump for a second state visit "symbolises the strength of the relationship between us".
After reading the letter, Mr Trump said of Charles: "He's a beautiful man, a wonderful man - I've gotten to know him very well, actually, first term and now second term."
Sir Keir Starmer then said: "So, this is a letter from His Majesty the King, it's an invitation for a second state visit.
"This is really special. This has never happened before. This is unprecedented and I think that just symbolises the strength of the relationship between us - so this is a very special letter.
"I think the last state visit was a tremendous success - His Majesty the King wants to make this even better than that.
"So, this is truly historic and unprecedented."
Mr Trump replied: "That's a great, great honour. And that says at Windsor - that's really something."
Watch live: Trump praises Starmer as ‘special man’
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:42
,
Jane Dalton
King invites Trump to Balmoral
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:40
,
Jane Dalton
The King suggested he and Mr Trump could meet before his state visit, either at Dumfries House or Balmoral, which are near the businessman's golf courses in Scotland.
The idea would be to discuss the plans for the much grander state visit.
Watch: Starmer takes gift and letter from King to Trump
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:36
,
Jane Dalton
Analysis: Starmer’s defence spending hike appears vindicated
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:35
,
Jane Dalton
In preparation for this White House summit, Keir Starmer bowed to pressure from Donald Trump to boost defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP – and, controversially, announced his plans to pay for it by slashing foreign aid, writes Kate Devlin.
The move has led to accusations the PM is balancing the books on the backs of the world’s poorest. But it appears to have achieved its primary aim, at least in the short-term, to help him woo the US president.
In his initial chat with Mr Trump, Sir Keir seems to have scored two wins – with a hint that the US will support his Chagos islands deal and another hint that the UK might avoid tariffs on goods.
His decision to cut overseas aid will remain controversial, but if he achieves either of those goals the PM might just think it was worth it.
Watch: Trump says he and Starmer get along 'famously'
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:28
,
Jane Dalton
Trump hints at 'security backstop' as part of Ukraine minerals deal
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:21
,
Natalie Crockett
Donald Trump has said the planned deal with Volodymyr Zelensky on minerals would effectively be a security "backstop" to deter future attacks from Russia.
The US President said: "President Zelensky is coming to see me on Friday morning. And we're going be signing really a very important agreement for both sides because it's really going to get us into that country, working there."
He added it was" a backstop, you could say".
But he stopped short of saying whether that would include sending any US peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, which he has previously been reluctant to commit to.
Relief for Keir Starmer as Trump hints good news for the UK on tariffs
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:15
,
Kate Devlin
Analysis from our Whitehall editor, Kate Devlin: In a crunch meeting with the US president, the prospect of tariffs on UK goods entering the US is perhaps the most crucial for Keir Starmer.
He will be relieved then at hints Mr Trump gave in the White House. He said the US would press ahead with reciprocal tariffs against the EU, calling the bloc “very tough on” the US.
While he did not rule out tariffs against the UK, he said relations were in a “warm spot”.
Sir Keir will be hoping that spot is very warm indeed.
Trump indicates he will back Starmer's Chagos deal
Thursday 27 February 2025 18:09
,
Jane Dalton
Donald Trump has indicated he will back Sir Keir Starmer's Chagos deal, after weeks of uncertainty over the agreement.
There was concern from Downing Street that the Republican administration would veto the deal, which hands over Chagos archipelago to Mauritius.
Critics of the deal expressed concerns that it could open up a vital UK-US military base, located on Diego Garcia, to foreign interference.
But speaking alongside Sir Keir, the president said Britain has agreed a "strong lease" on the military base, adding: "I think we will be inclined to go along with your country."