Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces his most challenging diplomatic test yet as he meets US President Donald Trump on Monday, with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza threatening to overshadow discussions on trade and Ukraine. Trump, who described Starmer as 'a good man' despite their political differences, has shown willingness to engage with the UK on economic and security issues, but Gaza remains a low priority for the White House.
Starmer hopes to persuade Trump to press Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to revive ceasefire talks and lift the blockade on aid into Gaza. The UK has already restored funding to UNRWA, sanctioned far-right Israeli ministers, and restricted arms licences, but Downing Street faces domestic pressure to take stronger action. Government insiders say further steps are planned, though details remain unclear.
The meeting comes after the UK secured a partial tariff deal on cars, aluminium, and steel, which Starmer views as a foundation for closer trade ties. Additionally, Starmer has helped shift Trump’s stance on Ukraine, with the US president now expressing dissatisfaction with Vladimir Putin. However, the prime minister’s ability to influence Trump on Gaza will test the strength of their relationship.
A ceasefire remains the long-term goal, with Starmer urging Trump to revive talks after the US and Israel withdrew negotiators from Qatar. The window for a deal is narrow, as the Israeli parliament is not sitting until October, giving Netanyahu cover to agree. Only after a ceasefire does Starmer believe the UK could follow France in recognising a Palestinian state, a move he has delayed to avoid overshadowing the talks.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting will determine whether Starmer’s strategy of aligning with Trump has paid off, and how far he is willing to push for an end to the catastrophe in Gaza.
