Hopes are rising that Britain might avoid tariffs on pharmaceutical products, which Trump had threatened to impose come August. A U.K. government figure noted that a deal on pharmaceuticals was “much more likely” than immediate achievements in steel or the broad 10 percent reciprocal tariffs. If successful, it would be positive news for the government and the industry, which greatly contributes to the U.K.’s GDP.
The meeting also offers Starmer a chance to redirect Trump’s attention to two ongoing crises where the U.S. can have a major impact: Ukraine and Gaza.
Kyiv’s allies were encouraged by Trump agreeing with NATO’s Mark Rutte at the White House on a plan to send more European-funded weapons to Ukraine. However, his bold promise to send “Patriots [missiles], which they desperately need” seems to have stalled.
The German government is particularly annoyed as Trump has yet to send any of his over 60 Patriots, and Berlin’s lobbying has been ineffective. A Western official mentioned “it’s all still very much being worked out” but that the U.K. is involved in efforts to turn the White House’s commitment into reality.
No.10 stated Sunday night that Starmer — under domestic pressure regarding the serious humanitarian situation in Gaza — will discuss with Trump “what more can be done to urgently secure the ceasefire, end the immense suffering and starvation in Gaza and free the hostages held for so long.”
London is working to coordinate with Paris and Berlin in response to the famine-like conditions in Gaza, aiming to pressure Israel to allow food and water access for the civilian population there. Despite increasing calls within his own party to act, Starmer has not followed French President Emmanuel Macron’s promise to recognize the Palestinian state. Trump’s strong reaction to Macron’s move this weekend underscores the delicate balance Starmer will need to maintain.
The Starmer-Trump meeting occurs just days after the U.K. defense and foreign secretaries swiftly traveled to Australia to show commitment to the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarines deal, a trilateral initiative with the U.S. aimed at countering China.
Starmer’s government, alongside Canberra’s administration, wants to demonstrate dedication to the pact after Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby, a former AUKUS critic, unexpectedly reviewed the treaty back in spring. Positive comments on the defense arrangement, like the ones Starmer obtained from Trump at the G7 in June, would be a success.
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