Donald Trump will meet Sir Keir Starmer today after £150 billion worth of American investment in Britain has been unveiled.
The British prime minister will host the US president at his grace and favour country home, Chequers, on Thursday, as the UK continues attempts to woo Mr Trump during his unprecedented second state visit to the country.
Sir Keir announced the prospect of some £150 billion flowing into the UK from big US companies such as Blackstone and Palantir overnight.
And as the two leaders meet at the estate in Buckinghamshire, they plan to sign a technology prosperity deal, touted as offering major investment by US tech firms in Britain, that will help to develop its AI capabilities.
Sir Keir will hope to focus on the strength of renewed transatlantic ties, with talks on trade, investment and foreign policy expected – but both sides are facing difficult questions.
When the two leaders face the press in a joint news conference later today, some big and potentially awkward topics are expected to be raised, from Jeffrey Epstein to the UK’s stance on Israel.
The talks come after the King and Mr Trump hailed the “special relationship” between the US and UK during speeches at a glittering state banquet in Windsor Castle last night.
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Key Points
- Starmer to host Trump for final day of second state visit to Britain
- US firms to invest £150 billion in UK as part of Trump’s state visit
- King and Trump hail US-UK 'special relationship' during state banquet
- Inside the lavish state banquet held for Donald Trump in Windsor Castle
Minister defends Swinney's attendance at state banquet following criticism over Gaza
09:34
,
Tara Cobham
A senior member of the Scottish Cabinet has defended John Swinney’s attendance at a state banquet held to honour US President Donald Trump.
Justice Secretary Angela Constance insisted people would expect the First Minister to “be representing Scotland at an international level”.
Her comments came in the wake of a social media post from SNP MP Chris Law – which has now been deleted – which said those attending the banquet on Wednesday would be “conceding that it’s acceptable to support genocide in Gaza”.
That came after a group of three independent experts commissioned by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council concluded Israel is committing genocide in the Palestinian territory.
Ms Constance said she does not know why SNP colleague Mr Law had posted such a comment, saying her focus this week had been on steering “historic” reforms to Scotland’s justice system through Holyrood.
“With the greatest respect I have not been glued to social media,” she told BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland programme on Thursday.
“The Scottish Government’s position on the suffering, the genocide in Gaza is very, very clear and we are playing our part to step up, call for justice, call for an end to that suffering and doing practical endeavours.”
She added it was “only this week we are seeing those that have been hurt and injured coming to Scotland” – with two children injured in the conflict travelling to the country for treatment, along with their families.
Ms Constance added: “People in Scotland also expect our First Minister to be representing Scotland at an international level, that is in the interests of all us.”
What will Starmer give to Trump today
09:16
,
Tara Cobham
The British prime minister will present the US president with a bespoke ministerial red box styled to take back to the White House.
Sir Keir Starmer is also set to show Donald Trump items from the Churchill archives.
US firms to invest £150 billion in UK as part of Trump’s state visit
09:09
,
Tara Cobham
American investment worth £150 billion has been unveiled as part of US President Donald Trump’s historic second state visit.
Some 7,600 “high quality” jobs will be created across the country as a result of the influx of cash from big US firms, according to the Government.
Sir Keir Starmer welcomed the announcement, ahead of a day of high-level discussions with Mr Trump at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country home.
The PM said: “When we back British brilliance, champion our world-class industries, and forge deeper global alliances — especially with friends like the US — we help shape the future for generations to come and make people across the country better off.
“These investments are a testament to Britain’s economic strength and a bold signal that our country is open, ambitious and ready to lead.
“Jobs, growth and opportunity is what I promised for working people, and it’s exactly what this state visit is delivering.”
Among the firms pledging investment in the UK are asset management company Blackstone, which will invest £90 billion cash on top of £10 billion previously announced to develop data centres.
Others include investment firm Prologis, pledging £3.9 billion, and software company Palantir, pledging £1.5 billion.
Starmer to host Trump for final day of second state visit to Britain
09:07
,
Tara Cobham
Sir Keir Starmer will host Donald Trump at his grace and favour country home on Thursday, as the Prime Minister continues his campaign to woo the US president during his unprecedented second state visit to Britain.
The Prime Minister is hoping to keep the focus of the visit on an influx of American investment into the UK, all while both his Government and the Trump administration are plagued by scandals related to the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Overnight, Sir Keir announced the prospect of some £150 billion flowing into the UK from big US companies such as Blackstone and Palantir.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will host a business reception in Downing Street for bosses at top US and UK financial firms, including BlackRock, Barclays and Blackstone in a bid to highlight transatlantic econonomic cooperation.
As Sir Keir and Mr Trump meet at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s estate in Buckinghamshire, they also plan to sign a technology prosperity deal, touted as offering major investment by US tech firms in Britain, that will help to develop its AI capabilities.
The Prime Minister will present the US leader with a bespoke ministerial red box styled to take back to the White House, as well as showing him items from the Churchill archives.
The two men will also meet investors including bosses from GSK, Microsoft and Rolls-Royce while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also have face-to-face talks at Chequers.
Inside the lavish state banquet held for Donald Trump in Windsor Castle
08:48
,
Tara Cobham
Donald Trump was the guest of honour at a lavish state banquet in the historic halls of Windsor Castle on Wednesday evening.
The US president and First Lady Melania Trump experienced the pinnacle of royal hospitality, joining about 160 guests for an extravagant feast hosted by the King in the magnificent St George’s Hall.
There Mr Trump paid a heartfelt tribute to America’s relationship with the UK, saying the word “special does not begin to do it justice”, and claimed the nations were “two notes in one chord”.
The president’s words were echoed by Charles who spoke of the “enduring bond between our two great nations” that has been “long called ‘special'” and went on to describe how it grew from two sworn enemies fighting against each other in the American Revolutionary War.
Among those at the banquet were the chiefs of major American firms, including big names from the tech world Sam Altman of OpenAI, Tim Cook of Apple, and Jensen Huang, the founder of Nvidia.
The impressive St George’s Hall is the largest room in the castle at 55.5 metres long (180ft) and nine metres wide (29.5ft), and the 50 metre (164ft) table stretches its full length.
The dress code was tiaras and white tie – or national dress. Members of the royal family wore sashes and badges known as orders if they have been given them in recognition of royal service.
Speeches took place at the start at around 8.30pm when the King and Mr Trump both made a speech and proposed toasts to one another, followed by the playing of the national anthems.
A bespoke transatlantic whisky sour, garnished with a toasted marshmallow and a star-shaped biscuit "evoking the warmth of a fireside S’more" was served to guests. Although Mr Trump is a teetotaller, so did not indulge in sampling the cocktail nor the variety of vintage drinks on offer.
The sumptuous menu, written in French as is the custom, consisted of Hampshire watercress panna cotta with parmesan shortbread and quail egg salad, followed by organic Norfolk chicken ballotine wrapped in courgettes, with a thyme and savoury infused jus, and then bombe glacee cardinal, which is a vanilla ice cream bombe with Kentish raspberry sorbet interior with lightly poached victoria plums.
The end of the banquet was signalled by the arrival of 12 pipers processing round the room, a tradition started by Queen Victoria.
Government 'standing up for British industry', minister insists, despite 25% steel tariffs
08:27
,
Tara Cobham
The Independent’s political correspondent Millie Cooke reports:
The government is "standing up for British industry", a government minister has insisted, amid growing questions over the decision to shelve plans to scrap US tariffs on UK steel.
Asked whether hopes had been abandoned of securing the reduction in the levy, which stands at 25 per cent, chief secretary to the Treasury James Murray told Sky News: “Let me put it in context, because we’re obviously the only country to avoid the 50% tariffs and that’s as a result of the deal that the prime minister struck with President Trump.”
It was put to him that the tariffs were higher than they were a year ago, to which he responded: “We’re standing up for British industry and the context is the 50 per cent tariffs and were the only country to avoid them.”
He said the “national interest will drive the prime minister” at “every turn.”
Trump heads to Chequers for talks with Starmer
08:04
,
Shweta Sharma
Donald Trump will leave Windsor this morning for Chequers, the prime minister’s official country residence in Buckinghamshire, where he is due to hold talks with Sir Keir Starmer.
Chequers, a sixteenth-century manor house in Aylesbury, is a grace-and-favour residence granted to each serving prime minister. It has long been used to host foreign leaders and high-level cabinet meetings – with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky among its recent visitors in 2023.
This will not be Trump’s first trip to the estate. During his 2018 working visit to Britain, he met then-prime minister Theresa May for talks at the same venue.
Today’s return marks a significant moment in his second state visit, with discussions expected to focus on investment, technology partnerships and foreign policy priorities.
Treasury minister defends Keir Starmer over US steel tariff talks
07:59
,
Shweta Sharma
A Treasury minister has defended the government’s handling of stalled efforts to cut US tariffs on British steel, insisting the prime minister is “standing up for British industry.”
Chief secretary to the Treasury James Murray was pressed on Sky News about the shelving of plans to eliminate the 25 per cent levy. He argued the UK had already avoided harsher measures thanks to a deal struck with Donald Trump.
"Let me put it in context, because we're obviously the only country to avoid the 50% tariffs and that's as a result of the deal that the Prime Minister struck with President Trump,” he said.
When challenged that tariffs are still higher than they were a year ago, he repeated: "We're standing up for British industry and the context is the 50% tariffs and were the only country to avoid them."
The government had hoped to secure a reduction during Trump’s state visit, but prospects now appear slim.
After a successful state banquet, today’s press conference is a moment of high peril for Starmer
07:44
,
Shweta SharKate Devlin, Whitehall Editorma
Can Keir Starmer succeed where a previous prime minister did not?
That is the question today, as he hosts Donald Trump at Chequers and they hold a press conference this afternoon.
After last night’s warm words about Britain and the “special” relationship, the state visit can be judged to be a success - so far.
But with the men far apart on a number of issues - including the recognition of Palestine- will appearing in front of the media expose the fault lines?
Australian broadcaster barred from Trump’s UK press conference after clash with journalist
07:34
,
Shweta Sharma
Australia's state broadcaster has been barred from attending Donald Trump's press conference in the UK this week after the U.S. president clashed with their journalist.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation's (ABC) London bureau was initially cleared to attend Trump's and British prime minister Keir Starmer's joint press conference on Thursday, but officials later withdrew the broadcaster's accreditation.
The broadcaster said Downing Street Media withdrew the accreditation, citing "logistical reasons". "The ABC’s London bureau is still accredited to attend Chequers; however, Downing Street media has said it no longer has a spot at the joint press conference due to logistical reasons,” an ABC spokesperson told The Guardian.
Trump is in London on his second state visit to the UK. He is scheduled to address the press with the British prime minister following their lunch on Thursday.
Melania Trump trolled online for ‘ugly’ State Dinner gown hours after bizarre hat choice: ‘Going to the beach?’
07:02
,
Shweta Sharma
Melania Trump's fashion sense faced some serious trolling on social media Wednesday after she sported multiple bizarre outfits during the presidential state visit to the U.K.
Hours after appearing in an oversized plum-colored wide-brimmed hat that almost completely hid her face, the first lady opted for a shockingly bright yellow number.
She wore the off-the-shoulder Carolina Herrera dress (think the color of attire worn by Curious George’s “Man in the Yellow Hat”) to the State Banquet hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla — and really stood out.
The ensemble was accompanied by a pastel lavender or pink (depending on the lighting) belt. Melania accessorized the gown with dangling green gemstone earrings adorned by diamonds.
Those following the events of the Trumps’ visit to the U.K. from afar didn’t hesitate to share their thoughts on Melania’s fashion sense.
Read Caitlin Hornik‘s report.
In pictures: Thousands attend anti-Trump protest in London
06:40
,
Shweta Sharma
Thousands gathered in central London to protest about Donald Trump’s historic second state visit to the UK.
While the US president was treated to pomp and pageantry at Windsor Castle on Wednesday, with supporters lining the streets, the British capital was home to far more irreverent scenes.
Several Trump impersonators walked the march to Parliament Square, complete with heavily orange tans and voluminous blond hair. Palestinian flags and pro-Palestine placards dominated the gathering, as did chants of “Free Palestine” and “Donald Trump, you’re a clown. You’re not welcome in our town.”
The march, organised by the Stop Trump Coalition, saw MPs Zarah Sultana, Jeremy Corbyn and several other speakers take to the stage to criticise Mr Trump’s visit.
More than 1,600 police officers were deployed across the city, including 500 assisting from forces outside of London, with a heavy police presence around Downing Street and the Cenotaph.
Read more here.
What’s planned today
06:23
,
Shweta Sharma
Donald Trump meets prime minister Keir Starmer on Thursday in the centrepiece of the US president’s second state visit to Britain.
The two leaders are set to unveil a £150bn ($205bn) US investment package in the UK, spanning technology, energy and life sciences – a move both sides hope will reinvigorate the “special relationship.”
The day follows a glittering Wednesday programme of royal carriage rides and a state banquet with King Charles.
Today’s focus shifts to hard diplomacy and economic ties, with major announcements including a technology pact involving Microsoft, Nvidia, Google and OpenAI, worth £31bn ($42bn).
Later, Trump and Starmer will hold a joint press conference – a potential flashpoint, with questions expected on their links to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer last week sacked Peter Mandelson as US ambassador over his connections to Epstein, while Trump’s own past ties have also drawn scrutiny.
Starmer, grappling with domestic challenges, will seek to project a positive international narrative and stress cooperation on global issues.
Trump, meanwhile, is keen to highlight the value of close ties with London as he tries to centre his state visit on global affairs rather than US politics.
The prime minister has accepted that hopes of securing further reductions on US steel and aluminium tariffs have faded, with officials playing down the likelihood of progress.
Instead, Starmer will point to Britain’s growing role as a magnet for US investment, particularly in financial services, technology and energy.
At Chequers today, top of his agenda is an appeal for the US president to step up pressure on Russia over its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
In pictures: Royals, politicians, and CEOs attend grand banquet
06:04
,
Shweta Sharma
British PM to recognise Palestinian state ‘after Trump state visit’
05:51
,
Shweta Sharma
Prime minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce recognition of a Palestinian state this weekend, once Donald Trump concludes his state visit to Britain, according to The Times.
Starmer has previously said he would move on recognition ahead of the UN general assembly in New York this month if Israel failed to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. High-level meetings at the UN begin on 23 September.
The Labour leader is understood to have delayed any formal announcement until after Trump departs, to avoid the issue overshadowing their planned joint press conference at Chequers on Thursday.
Starmer first floated recognition in July under pressure from Labour MPs concerned about conditions in Gaza.
At the time, he made it clear the step was conditional – saying he would refrain if Israel committed to a ceasefire, a long-term two-state solution, and allowed aid to flow through the UN.
The move has already set Starmer at odds with Washington, which remains opposed to recognition. But other countries – including France, Australia and Canada – are preparing to take the same step at the UN gathering later this month.
Trump hails UK–US bond at Windsor banquet: ‘Two notes in one chord’
05:02
,
Shweta Sharma
President Donald Trump paid a glowing tribute to the UK–US relationship during a state banquet at Windsor Castle, declaring that the word “special does not begin to do it justice”.
The US leader praised the King as a “very, very special man” and singled out both the Prince and Princess of Wales for warm mentions.
Trump described the two nations as “two verses of the same poem… meant to be played together”, calling the alliance “priceless and eternal”.
"Today, however, we celebrate a relationship between our two countries that surely neither Washington nor King George III could possibly have imagined.
"The ocean may still divide us, but in so many ways we are now the closest of kin."
The King, in turn, spoke of the “enduring bond” between the two nations, highlighting their transformation from historic enemies into “the closest of kin”, while also stressing his long-held concerns about the environment.
The lavish evening, attended by figures such as Rupert Murdoch and golf legend Sir Nick Faldo, capped a day of military pageantry and royal welcomes for Trump’s second state visit to Britain.
Outside, thousands marched in London in protest, some reviving the Trump baby blimp from 2019.
ICYMI: Spectacular RAF flypast over Windsor for Trump's UK state visit
05:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
In pictures: Trump's key cabinet members attend state banquet
04:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
ICYMI: Trump called Kate 'so radiant and so healthy' as she glitters in gold at banquet dinner
04:28
,
Shweta Sharma
The Princess of Wales was hailed as "so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful" by Donald Trump as she glittered in gold at the state banquet.
Kate wore a couture creation by British designer Phillipa Lepley, with a striking full-length, champagne gold hand-embroidered Chantilly lace evening coat featuring a regal-looking high collar over a silk crepe gown.
Trump made a point of referencing the princess, who announced at the start of the year that she was in remission from cancer, in his banquet speech, describing her as "so radiant and so healthy and so beautiful".
The princess sat next to the American leader at the banquet table and was seen smiling up at him as he delivered his speech.
Trump also praised the Prince of Wales, saying: "His Majesty has also raised a remarkable son in His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales. Really amazing.
"We've gotten to know you and I think you're going to have an unbelievable success in future."
He added: "Melania and I are delighted to visit again with Prince William and to see Her Royal Highness, Princess Catherine, so radiant and so healthy, and so beautiful. It's really a great honour, thank you."
Kate beamed as she stood and raised her glass to toast the president after he addressed the 160 guests in St George's Hall.
Kate's delicate coat featured hand-embroidered roses with couched gold cording, accented with French knots and satin-stitched blooms, demonstrating her commitment to supporting British craftsmanship and creativity.
Her earrings belonged to the late Queen and the princess opted for her go-to tiara the Lover's Knot Tiara and wore her hair down and styled in waves.
Earlier in the day, Trump appeared to tell future queen, Kate, "You're so beautiful, so beautiful" as she greeted him and the First Lady Melania Trump at Victoria House with the Prince of Wales at the start of the historic state visit.
Starmer to host Trump at Chequers amid £150bn US investment pledge
04:03
,
Shweta Sharma
Sir Keir Starmer is set to host Donald Trump at Chequers this afternoon as the US president continues his second state visit to Britain.
The two leaders will be accompanied by leading technology CEOs, who are expected to take part in announcements of new tech partnerships, a US official said.
The prime minister is seeking to spotlight a promised £150bn wave of American investment and a new UK–US “technology prosperity deal” focused on AI, even as questions swirl over what concessions Washington may expect in return.
Talks on reducing steel tariffs appear to have stalled.
Today’s joint press conference is shaping up as the most high-risk moment of the visit, with potential clashes on Middle East policy and questions about both governments’ links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump was guest of honour at a Windsor Castle banquet last night, attended by the King and leading US tech chiefs including Sam Altman, Tim Cook and Jensen Huang.
Preview: Trump to meet with Starmer
04:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers on Thursday.
The pair will view the Sir Winston Churchill archives before holding a bilateral meeting. Afterward, they’re expected to hold a press conference.
ICYMI: Prince William and Kate share unseen video of Trump's state visit
03:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
Melania Trump and Princess Kate make bold fashion choices for their historic first outing together
03:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
First Lady Melania Trump and the Princess of Wales are set to make history with their first joint outing together.
The pair will travel to Frogmore Gardens on Thursday, marking their first solo outing without their respective spouses. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Sir Keir Starmer at Chequers.
‘Joined by history and fate’: Trump and King Charles toast US-UK ‘kinship’ ... and each other at lavish state banquet
02:30
,
Andrew Feinberg
Nearly 250 years after Americans cast off their colonial shackles by declaring independence from Great Britain, President Donald Trump on Wednesday hailed the deep historical and cultural ties between the United States and the United Kingdom as he capped a historic second state visit to the country at a banquet hosted by King Charles III.
Keep reading:
In pictures: Demonstrators march through London to protest Trump visit
02:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
Watch: Trump takes swipe at Prince Harry during state banquet speech
01:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
What's next on Trump's agenda?
01:00
,
Katie Hawkinson
US President Donald Trump is set to leave Windsor Castle on Thursday morning.
Sir Keir Starmer will then host Mr Trump at Chequers for a bilateral meeting.
Meanwhile, first lady Melania Trump is set to see Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House and the Royal Library at Windsor Castle on Thursday.
She will then join the Princess of Wales at Frogmore Gardens for a meeting with the Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and members of the Scouts’ Squirrels programme.
See the full agenda here:
