Live updates: Trump arrives for talks with Starmer at UK prime ministers country home
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Trump Visits Chequers on Second Day of UK State Visit
Above: U.S. President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sept. 18, 2025. Image copyright: Leon Neal/Getty Images
The Spin
Left narrative
Trump's U.K. visit delivered pomp without substance. Starmer's red carpet treatment normalized authoritarianism while progress on Gaza and Ukraine stalled. By dodging London protests and scheduling during parliamentary recess public criticism was simply ignored, abandoning moral leadership for lucrative Big Tech deals.
Right narrative
Trump's visit was mature diplomacy in action. Despite clear disagreements on certain issues, both leaders prioritized mutual interests over political theater. Britain secured massive tech investments while America strengthened its key European alliance. Serious nations can maintain relationships despite differences, achieving concrete wins through professional engagement.