By Faith Omoboye
Copyright businessday
Donald Trump, the United States president, and Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, faced a barrage of questions on Ukraine, Gaza and global politics on Wednesday as Trump wrapped up his state visit to Britain.
The joint press conference highlighted the warmth of the US-UK relationship but also exposed areas of tension, particularly over Britain’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state.
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Starmer, pressed by a Fox News reporter on whether he would delay recognition until after Trump’s departure, insisted his position had been made clear in July and was unrelated to the visit. “I’ve discussed it with the president, as you would expect amongst two leaders who respect each other and like each other and want to bring about a better solution,” he said.
Trump acknowledged one of their “few disagreements,” stressing that the world must not forget Hamas’s October 7 attacks. “So I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score,” he said.
On Ukraine, Trump admitted he had hoped his relationship with Vladimir Putin might end the war. “But he’s let me down. He’s really let me down,” he said, adding that falling oil prices could still force the Russian leader’s hand. Starmer struck a firmer note, urging greater pressure on Moscow: “It’s only when the president has put pressure on Putin that he’s shown any inclination to move. We have to ramp that pressure up.”
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The pair also fielded questions on illegal migration. Trump urged tough measures, even deploying the military if necessary. Starmer pointed instead to Britain’s record number of returns, saying more than 35,000 people had left since his government took office.
Beyond foreign policy, both leaders sought to showcase unity. They hailed a new $42bn technology partnership as a “signal of determination” to compete globally. Trump praised Starmer as a “tough” negotiator, joking that the trade deal favoured Britain. Starmer described the partnership as a way to create jobs, growth and “lower bills to put more hard-earned cash in people’s pockets.”
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Trump also reflected on his ceremonial day at Windsor Castle with the royal family, calling the visit a “spectacular honour” and stressing the “unparalleled bond” between the two nations. He promised to extend their alliance “into the realm of economic security for the first time.”
The press conference ranged widely, even touching on religion and TikTok. Trump confirmed he would speak with Chinese president Xi Jinping on Friday to try to finalise a deal, saying the US held the decisive leverage.
Despite moments of divergence, both leaders sought to project solidarity. “It’s so imperative that the United States and the United Kingdom stand together for these fundamental rights and values of the English-speaking world,” Trump said.
Starmer, closing the session, underlined the message: “These are not the actions of someone who wants peace,” he said of Putin. “We have discussed today how we can build our defences, further support Ukraine and decisively increase the pressure to get him to agree to a peace deal that will last.”
