Trump Expresses Profound Gratitude for Second UK Visit, Yet Significant Differences Persist
In a significant development, UK Labour Leader Keir Starmer and former US President Donald Trump have signed a groundbreaking agreement on science and technology, aimed at boosting tech investment and creating jobs. The agreement, expected to bring thousands of jobs and billions in investment in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and nuclear energy, was hailed by both sides as a significant step forward.
During the signing ceremony, Starmer referred to Trump as 'my friend, our friend.' The mutual admiration between the leaders followed King Charles and Queen Camilla's feting of Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at Windsor Castle. Trump, in response, called the British monarchs 'two fantastic people' and expressed gratitude for the hospitality.
The deal, which does not include an agreement to scrap a digital services tax or water down internet regulation, also includes an investment of £90 billion (€103 billion) from the private equity firm Blackstone in the United Kingdom over the next decade. Additionally, a UK arm of Stargate, a Trump-backed AI infrastructure project led by OpenAI, is part of the deal, as well as a host of AI data centres around the UK.
However, the agreement comes amidst disagreement on several issues, including recognition of a Palestinian state and immigration policies. Trump urged Britain to take a harder line on immigration, believing that uncontrolled immigration 'destroys countries from within.' The British government, on the other hand, has grown critical of Israel's conduct in Gaza and the suffering of Palestinian civilians.
Starmer, in a separate statement, considered the situation in Gaza a humanitarian catastrophe. He and Trump also discussed increasing pressure on Putin, with Starmer expressing support for Ukraine, a sentiment echoed by King Charles in his state banquet speech. Trump, however, stated that Putin has 'let him down' regarding the Ukraine conflict and expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in brokering a deal to end Moscow's invasion.
Despite these differences, the US has pledged £150 billion (€172 billion) in investment in the UK, including £40 billion (€45 billion) by pharmaceutical firm GSK. The investment from the UK will also flow to the US, marking a reciprocal relationship between the two nations.
Trump, who has not imposed new sanctions on Russia as threatened, expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of progress in brokering a deal to end Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Nonetheless, the historic agreement on science and technology is expected to strengthen the relationship between the UK and US, paving the way for future collaborations and opportunities.
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