During his second state visit to the UK, US President Donald Trump suggested that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer could consider deploying the military to stop illegal migration across the English Channel.
Speaking at Chequers, Trump said he would “stop it” regardless of the means used, drawing parallels with his own hardline immigration policies in the US. He later told Fox News that Sir Keir should take a “strong stand” against migration, which he claimed was damaging Britain.
Standing beside Trump, Sir Keir stressed that his government was already taking migration “incredibly seriously.” He pointed to new return deals with countries like France, and the first migrant sent back under a “one in, one out” arrangement.
More than 30,000 migrants have crossed the Channel so far this year, a record pace that has intensified domestic political pressure. Trump, for his part, highlighted his stepped-up deportations and troop deployments at the southern US border, presenting himself as a model for the UK to follow.
Trump And Starmer Highlight Special Ties, Announce Tech Deal, Clash Over Palestine
Trump’s two-day state visit included a banquet at Windsor Castle hosted by King Charles, meetings with the Royal Family, and political talks with Sir Keir. The leaders used their joint press conference to reaffirm the “special relationship” between their nations and announced a new technology deal designed to boost cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum, and emerging fields.
Trump said the agreement would help the allies “dominate” globally, though US officials noted its potential was constrained by British regulations.
Despite their unity on migration, Trump and Starmer diverged on foreign policy. Trump opposed Sir Keir’s plan to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of the UN General Assembly, accusing Hamas of using hostages as leverage.
Starmer framed the move as symbolic but significant, given that 147 UN members already recognise Palestine. The pair also skirted sensitive issues such as free speech in the UK and the recent dismissal of Lord Mandelson as Britain’s US ambassador. Trump deflected questions about Mandelson, passing them to Sir Keir.
Trump Pushes Energy Expansion, Trade Shifts, But Limits Britain’s Influence On Policy
On Ukraine, Trump voiced disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin for failing to pursue peace and urged Western allies to stop purchasing Russian oil. However, he did not commit to new sanctions.
In a Fox News interview, he also encouraged Britain to expand oil and gas drilling in the North Sea, citing high domestic energy prices. At the same time, Trump boasted that the US was “making a lot of money” under the current trade pact but hinted that tariff cuts by the UK could improve relations further.
While the visit underscored close ties between London and Washington, US officials downplayed the likelihood of Britain influencing Trump’s broader policies. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles bluntly stated that the trip would have “none at all” impact on US trade or foreign affairs.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick added that the AI investment deal could have been much larger if Britain had scrapped certain regulations. The visit closed with Trump and First Lady Melania departing from Stansted Airport, leaving behind a mix of ceremonial grandeur and unresolved policy divides.
