London, Sep 16 (AP) US President Donald Trump is set to visit the United Kingdom on Tuesday for a state visit. The British government is hopeful that a multibillion-dollar technology agreement will underscore the enduring strength of transatlantic ties, despite differing perspectives on Ukraine, the Middle East, and the Western alliance's future.
State visits in Britain uniquely combine contemporary diplomacy with royal spectacle. Trump's two-day itinerary will feature horse-drawn carriages, military honor guards, and a lavish banquet in a historic 1,000-year-old castle—ideal for a president known to appreciate opulent displays.
King Charles III is scheduled to host Trump at Windsor Castle, after which the president will engage in discussions with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the British leader's countryside retreat.
Starmer's office expressed that the visit will reveal the UK's commitment to a "world-leading" relationship with the US, celebrating 250 years of shared history. Despite this, there was no reference to Trump's fondness for tariffs that impact markets.
According to an unnamed senior White House official, the two countries are expected to enhance their partnership during the visit, while recognizing the forthcoming 250th anniversary of America's founding. However, details remain vague on how the UK plans to commemorate that part of shared history.
Trump expressed excitement about the UK trip, mentioning that Windsor Castle is "supposed to be amazing," and described the journey as "very exciting."
Trump's Second State Visit
Trump is the only US president to receive a second state visit invitation from the UK. This invitation, and the expected grand ceremony, aligns with Trump's inclinations. The president has previously praised the late Queen Elizabeth II and often shared how his Scotland-born mother admired British royalty. Trump's preference for luxurious attention aligns with his embrace of presidential grandeur.
Foreign leaders have taken note of his preferences. For instance, during a visit to the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and Qatar not only rolled out the red carpet but even deployed fighter jets to escort Trump's plane.
Starmer has proven skillful in endearing himself to Trump. During a February visit to Washington, he commented positively on Trump's Oval Office decor and noted the presence of a Winston Churchill bust. In July, Starmer praised Trump's golf courses during the president's private visit to Scotland.
Efforts to appeal to Trump have caused some unease within Starmer's Labour Party. Unlike French President Emmanuel Macron's July visit to Parliament, Trump will not address lawmakers, as they are away for the autumn recess, which avoids potential controversy.
Trump's itinerary, centered around Windsor and Chequers, keeps him distanced from a significant protest planned against his visit.
Troubles for Starmer
Starmer's center-left government faced recent political challenges. Britain's ambassador to Washington, Peter Mandelson, was dismissed from his post due to past ties with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson had strong connections with the Trump administration and was instrumental in advancing a UK-US trade agreement last May. However, his departure has brought Epstein back into the headlines, as Trump attempts to circumvent inquiries about his past relationship with the disgraced financier.
Mandelson's firing followed the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner over a tax error related to a home purchase. With just over a year since obtaining a significant electoral win, Starmer's government faces fragility, and his popularity has declined.
Nevertheless, Trump has expressed support for Starmer, whom he described as slightly more liberal but still a friend. Starmer's government has leveraged this rapport to negotiate more favorable US trade terms, given America's substantial role as the UK's largest economic partner, accounting for 18% of British trade.
The trade agreement from May eased US tariffs on key British sectors, such as automotive and aerospace. However, further negotiations on pharmaceuticals, steel, and aluminum are yet unresolved.
Liam Byrne, a Labour lawmaker and head of the House of Commons' Business and Trade Committee, emphasizes the importance of converting "paper promises" into concrete agreements to end the tariff challenges affecting British exporters and investors.
Prominent business figures like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are anticipated to join the US delegation. Trump and Starmer plan to sign a technology partnership that boasts significant investments in nuclear energy, life sciences, and AI data centers.
The leaders are expected to explore opportunities for increased cooperation in defense technology and seek ways to strengthen connections between their financial centers, based on information from a White House official.
Ukraine on the Agenda
Starmer has attempted to influence continued US support for Ukraine, although with limited success. While Trump has expressed frustration with Russia's President Vladimir Putin, he has yet to enforce new sanctions against Russia for avoiding peace talks.
A recent Russian drone incursion into NATO member Poland prompted strong criticism from European NATO allies and vows for additional military support on the eastern front. However, Trump downplayed the severity of the incident, suggesting it "might have been a mistake."
Divergence also exists between Starmer and Trump regarding Israel's conflict in Gaza. Starmer has announced that the UK will formally acknowledge a Palestinian state at the United Nations later this month. (AP) GRS GRS
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