Starmer Presses Trump on Gaza Ceasefire and Steel Tariffs

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will meet United States President Donald Trump in Scotland to press for progress on a Gaza ceasefire and a resolution to longstanding tariffs on British steel. The meeting, held at Trump’s Turnberry resort in Ayrshire, is part of wider talks on trade and global security, amid rising concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the stability of the United Kingdom’s manufacturing sector.

Starmer is expected to welcome the U.S. president’s efforts in working with partners in Qatar and Egypt to broker peace between Israel and Hamas, following the breakdown of previous negotiations. The United Kingdom has joined international efforts to deliver aid to the Gaza Strip and evacuate children in need of urgent medical care, with Downing Street stating that humanitarian access must be widened “urgently.”

The conversation with Trump, however, will not stop at the Middle East. The two leaders are also set to revisit the unresolved issue of steel tariffs imposed under Section 232 of the United States Trade Expansion Act. Although the recently signed Economic Prosperity Deal, an agreement aimed at boosting trade between the U.S. and U.K., slashed duties on several goods, British steel continues to face a 25% tariff. Industry leaders have warned that the rate could increase to 50% if a new agreement is not reached, threatening jobs and growth in a sector crucial to the U.K.’s industrial economy.

Despite differing political leanings, Starmer and Trump have developed a working relationship on the global stage. Trump, ahead of the meeting, praised the U.K. prime minister’s performance in office, telling reporters, “He’s doing a very good job.” The U.K. government said both parties are working “at pace” to finalise improvements to the current trade deal, ensuring security and stability for British industries.

In addition to economic and Middle East affairs, the war in Ukraine will also be on the agenda. Starmer and Trump are expected to coordinate diplomatic pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the invasion and restore territorial sovereignty.

Trump’s visit to the U.K. comes just ahead of his scheduled state visit in September. The president recently met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, where they reportedly agreed to a major transatlantic trade package, including a 15% tariff on most European Union goods, significantly lower than the 30% previously threatened. Trump said the deal would include reciprocal zero tariffs on select products and a $750 billion energy purchase agreement from the United States over three years.

Following their talks in Ayrshire, Starmer and Trump are expected to attend a private engagement together in Aberdeen, further underlining the importance of U.S.-U.K. relations amid shifting global dynamics.