Chequers hosts joint press event
Starmer and Trump capped a high-profile two-day state visit with a press conference at Chequers, highlighting new economic ties and reaffirming political unity despite differences on foreign policy.
The centrepiece of the visit was the signing of a technology investment deal valued at around £150bn, which the UK prime minister described as “a blueprint to win this new era together”.
US tech giants have pledged to inject capital into Britain, which Starmer said would deliver “cutting-edge jobs” and strengthen the UK’s industrial base.
Trump, sitting alongside him at the prime minister’s country retreat, hailed the agreement as proof that the US and UK remained “forever joined”.
Pressure on Putin
Foreign policy dominated the leaders’ opening remarks. Starmer pledged that the two governments would “decisively increase the pressure” on Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of showing “his true colours” through intensified attacks on Ukraine.
Trump struck a similar note of frustration. “Putin has really let me down,” the US president said, admitting disappointment over faltering attempts to broker a settlement. Still, he insisted that “ultimately a peace deal will be reached,” suggesting that diplomatic momentum could yet shift.
Disagreement on Palestine
The warm tone between the leaders was tested when the subject of Britain’s plans to recognise a Palestinian state was raised. Trump was blunt in voicing opposition. “I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score – one of our few disagreements actually,” he said.
Despite the divergence, both men stressed cooperation on the Middle East. Trump said he was working “really hard” on Israel and Gaza, acknowledging the complexity of the conflict but predicting progress.
Trade and investment focus
The two leaders also pointed to wider economic cooperation, recalling the trade agreement finalised in May. Trump praised Starmer as a “tough negotiator” while joking with his own Cabinet members before signing the tech accord. “If the deal’s no good, I’m blaming you,” he told his Treasury secretary with a grin.
Trump used his platform to champion the industrial expansion underpinning the new deal. “Together we are building up the industrial capacity of both of our countries, which is crucial to our defence,” he said.
Banquet diplomacy and business links
The joint press conference followed a state banquet at Windsor Castle, where Trump repeated his assertion that the US and UK are “forever joined”.
He also courted business leaders during forums at Chequers, giving a personal shout-out to Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang while predicting artificial intelligence would “take over the world”.
The investment package, anchored in technology and digital infrastructure, was framed by Starmer as the most significant injection of US capital into the UK in decades.
A carefully balanced relationship
For both leaders, the visit served as a balancing act – showcasing solidarity on Russia and economic renewal while revealing tensions on Palestine.
As Starmer put it, the agreements struck at Chequers were designed not only to boost jobs and growth but also to demonstrate that “there is no more natural partnership in the world”.
