Urging Trump to press Israel for increased humanitarian aid access in Gaza is the message that Starmer intends to deliver.
In a significant meeting on Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held talks with President Donald Trump at a golf property owned by Trump's family near Turnberry, Scotland. The discussions focused on advancing the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, securing a ceasefire in the Middle East, and applying pressure on Putin to end the war in Ukraine.
The meeting underscores the mutual commitment to deepening economic ties and shared foreign policy goals. The Prime Minister’s visit to President Trump’s Turnberry golf course during Trump’s private stay, ahead of Trump's second State Visit to the UK in September, signals a warm and strategic bilateral relationship.
The talks also emphasized humanitarian concerns in Gaza, including ending suffering and hostage situations, reflecting a collaborative approach to international crises. The engagement was characterized by substantive discussion on key issues affecting both nations, reflecting a positive tone in US-UK relations.
However, the meeting comes amidst pressure on Starmer from his Labour Party lawmakers to recognize a Palestinian state, a move both Israel and the U.S. have condemned. Starmer plans to discuss pressing Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and ending the conflict with Hamas during his talks with Trump.
In addition to trade and security, the talks are also likely to address lingering trade issues between the U.S. and U.K., including the 25% levy on British steel. The U.S. ran an $11.4 billion trade surplus with Britain last year, meaning it exported more to the U.K. than it imported.
The Prime Minister’s visit also coincides with the opening of Trump's new golf course near Aberdeen, which will open to the public on Aug. 13. Protesters have planned a demonstration in Balmedie, near Trump's existing Aberdeen golf course, in response to Trump's visit.
The meeting follows a Trump-European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen meeting at his Turnberry course, resulting in a trade framework with 15% tariffs on most goods from both countries. During the G7, Trump stated that the U.K. is well-protected due to his liking for them, which he referred to as their "ultimate protection."
It is worth noting that during his first term, Trump posted about his Turnberry property, stating it "furthered the U.K. relationship." Jonathan Reynolds, British Business Secretary, acknowledged that only the U.S. has the leverage to make a real difference in the conflict. Negotiations have been ongoing on a daily basis, and there are a few issues that need further attention.
The meeting between Starmer and Trump is a testament to the strong and cooperative state of the U.S.-U.K. relationship, demonstrating a robust partnership focused on trade expansion, coordinated geopolitical strategy, and shared humanitarian efforts.
[1] BBC News, "Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump at Turnberry golf course," July 28, 2025. [2] Sky News, "Live: Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump at Turnberry golf course," July 28, 2025. [3] The Guardian, "Keir Starmer meets Donald Trump at Turnberry golf course," July 28, 2025.
- The Prime Minister's visit to President Trump's Turnberry golf course, while discussions focused on the UK-US Economic Prosperity Deal, war in Ukraine, and conflicts in the Middle East, also addressed humanitarian issues in Gaza.
- The talks between Keir Starmer and Donald Trump encompassed not only trade and security matters, but also the pressing issue of the 25% levy on British steel and the need for more aid to reach Gaza.
- The meeting, which followed a Trump-European Commission meeting at Turnberry, also touched upon migration concerns, as Starmer planned to discuss the conflict with Hamas and its resolution during his talks with Trump.
- Additionally, the meeting came amidst general news of British politics, as Starmer faced pressure from Labour Party lawmakers to recognize a Palestinian state, a move that Israel and the U.S. have both criticized.
- Politics aside, the meeting also garnered attention from criminal justice and crime-and-justice perspectives, as protesters have planned demonstrations against Trump's upcoming visit to his new golf course near Aberdeen.
- The meeting on Monday, in turn, was a significant sign of the strong U.S.-U.K. relationship and its focus on expanding trade, implementing shared foreign policy goals, and advancing coordinated humanitarian efforts – a collective approach to global issues that extends beyond golf courses to broader policy-and-legislation, car-accidents, fires, sports, and other general news topics.
