Upon his arrival at Windsor Castle on September 16, Donald Trump will become the first US president to make a second state visit to the United Kingdom. Behind the pomp and pageantry, however, Prime Minister Keir Starmer will be hoping he can consolidate his so-far friendly relationship with the president to secure political and economic gains. But amid tensions over US tariff policies and efforts to end the war in Ukraine, can Starmer exploit this moment of diplomatic theatre to keep the unpredictable president on side?
Starmer’s ‘flatter Trump’ strategy may turn to damage limitation during state visit
The US president will enjoy the pageantry, but the prime minister will want to avoid moments that reveal differences on trade, Ukraine and Palestine recognition, writes Iona Allan.
The World Today
Published 15 September 2025
Updated 17 September 2025
Image — President Donald Trump with Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the Oval Office at the White House In February 2025. Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images.
