Keir Starmer is set to hold a significant press conference during his tenure as Prime Minister today, where he will appear alongside Donald Trump. The joint press conference is scheduled for 2:30 pm this afternoon, with the Prime Minister aiming to highlight the £150 billion US investment in Britain and a new UK-US tech deal focused on advancing medical technology.
Despite the focus on these international partnerships, the press conference at Chequers, the PM’s official residence, may be overshadowed by recent domestic political turmoil. Over the past two weeks, Starmer has faced resignations from key figures in his administration, raising questions about his leadership. This will be his first press conference since these controversies emerged, and he is likely to face tough questions about his handling of the situation.
One particularly sensitive issue likely to be brought up is the recent dismissal of Lord Mandelson due to revelations about his association with Jeffrey Epstein. This topic may also lead to uncomfortable moments for President Trump, who has faced scrutiny over his past ties to Epstein.
The White House has denied the authenticity of a letter allegedly written by Trump for Epstein’s “birthday book,” which included a controversial drawing. Trump claims to have distanced himself from Epstein in the early 2000s, dismissing the note as fake. However, the discussion around Epstein could create tense moments during the press conference.
Amidst these controversies, Starmer will aim to focus on fostering positive relations between the US and UK, particularly in the context of trade negotiations. Trump has indicated the UK’s interest in securing a better trade deal, with ongoing discussions to reduce tariffs in key sectors like aerospace and auto, while negotiations continue on other tariff reductions.
The Prime Minister’s efforts to emphasize positive developments in the US-UK relationship may be challenged by questions surrounding recent resignations within his government, including Angela Rayner’s departure as Deputy PM and Housing Secretary. The potential need to address these issues alongside Trump could create a delicate situation for Starmer during the press conference.