US President Donald Trump’s second state visit to the UK comes with a flurry of investment announcements worth billions of pounds — from BlackRock, Alphabet and Blackstone to new nuclear and energy deals. But beyond the business headlines, as per a CNBC report, UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has deeper goals as it rolls out the red carpet.
Here are three things Britain is hoping to secure:
- A complete trade deal
In May, the UK signed what it called an “economic prosperity deal” with the Trump administration, the first of its kind worldwide. But much of the framework remains unfinished. Britain wants to turn broad commitments into concrete agreements that cover sensitive sectors, including agriculture and digital services, CNBC reported. Trump himself signalled openness before departing Washington, saying he was “into helping” the UK refine the pact. For Starmer, completing this deal would be a political win to offset criticism of his domestic economic policies.
- Relief from steel and aluminium tariffs
One of the thorniest issues is tariffs on UK steel and aluminium exports. Britain currently faces 25 per cent duties — a significant improvement on the 50 per cent levies imposed on most other countries, but still damaging for the struggling UK steel industry. Valued at £370 million in US exports last year, the sector is desperate for tariff-free access. As per report by CNBC, Ministers want Trump to deliver on earlier promises to slash the duties to zero, though reports this week suggested those hopes may be fading.
- A political and diplomatic boost
For a government rattled by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner’s resignation in a tax scandal and the firing of UK ambassador Peter Mandelson over links to Jeffrey Epstein, Trump’s visit offers much-needed political cover. The ceremonial welcome at Windsor Castle, combined with announcements of US investment, will be used to project stability and international credibility.
The US President and the First Lady, Melania Trump, touched down on Tuesday evening at London Stansted onboard Air Force One ahead of a series of events over the next two days, including being hosted by King Charles. Trump will also visit Keir Starmer’s country residence, Chequers, in Buckinghamshire on Thursday.
