Keir Starmerhas admitted that he has never played golf previously, which could present a challenge when he participates in a bilateral meetingDonald Trump at the president’s Turnberry course in Scotland on Monday.
The site partly accounts for thetension surrounding the head of government anxious atmosphere near the leader restless vibes around the chief executive uneasy feelings about the top politician tense energy in the vicinity of the leader nervous atmosphere close to the prime minister anxiety floating around the government leader uncertainty surrounding the head of state jittery vibes near the top official tense vibes in the presence of the leaderwhen he refers to this last-minute arranged meeting while Trump takes a few days to unwind at his own Scottish golf courses.
A source close to the PM stated, ‘Golf is not something you can learn in a weekend,’ anticipating that the two will conduct their bilateral meeting over 18 holes on the championship course.
But a possible introduction to golf is the last thing on Sir Keir’s mind ashe gets ready for another important bilateral meetingI have formed a politically unexpected friendship with a US president.
The steel sector will be the main topic, followed by discussions on Ukraine and Gaza – areas where Sir Keir and Trump continue to show significant differences.
Men of steel
If finalizing the trade agreement was like a green on a golf course, Starmer would be on his third try with the putter, attempting to hole a ball that initially rolled promisingly close to the flag.
We have already conducted two signing events for a trade deal aimed at addressing Trump’s “freedom day” tariffs.
The first occasion inMay when it was referred to as “the big and beautiful deal”appeared to have settled nearly all issues. After that, nothing occurred until the two men were seen together in Canada last month, with a signed agreement that the president almost immediately dropped on the floor.
But even following that, there remained one key issue –steel.
Trump imposed tariffs of 25 per centon steel and then raised them to 50 per cent for the remainder of the globe, accompanied by a warning that the UK would move from 25 to 50 per cent if it failed to resolve the matter.
The clock is ticking, and with the taxpayer now burdened by the future of British Steel, the whole industry stands at a critical point, so Starmer must secure the zero per cent tariff he was assured in May.
Regrettably, there seems to be no immediate indication of it occurring.
Palestinian recognition
There is much discussion among Labour members over the weekend thatKeir Starmer is seeking to acknowledge the nation of Palestineas President Emmanuel Macron did on Thursday.
But he isn’t able to proceed until after his meeting with Trump – otherwise, the unavoidable argument about it would take center stage.
US secretary of state Marco Rubiomade it evident that the US was appalled by France and believed Macron was “rewarding terrorism” through Hamas. A comparable harsh perspective would be adopted towards the UK.
However, the two must address the challenges as the crisis escalates. In some way, Trump’s interest in facilitating a truce there needs to be rekindled, and some believe Starmer is the individual capable of achieving this.
His skill in inflating the president’s self-esteem has set a model for global leaders on how to handle the second Trump administration.
Without American leadership, there is a risk that the conflict will continue indefinitely, leaving thousands of people in Gaza to potentially starve.
In numerous respects, Starmer will be representing the so-called E3 group comprising the UK, France, and Germany on this matter following theemergency call with Macron andGerman chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday.
Not forgetting Ukraine
The Middle East might not necessarily be Starmer’s primary international concern during these discussions.
He is urgently seeking a resolution to theUkraine problemand lately, with Macron and Merz, there has been progress on the “coalition of the willing” to ensure support for Ukraine following a peace agreement.
He and Macron revealed additional information and strategies for the coalition of the willing following the French president’s recent state visit.
However, they are progressing without the essential element – a commitment from the US to support them militarily if complications arise.
Trump has opposed this concept, favoring instead the acquisition of a portion of Ukraine’s mineral resources. He has displayed no interest in Starmer’s proposal at all. However, the British prime minister must find a way to convince him to support it on Monday.
The State Visit
Although this is a private journey for Trump to examine his personal business ventures (including playing golf on his own courses), it serves as a lead-in to a more significant visit in September.
The request for a state visit was issued by the King and conveyed by his prime minister, although information regarding the political aspects of the significant journey will be addressed.
There could be an uncomfortable situation about why Macron was allowed to speak before a joint session of the Houses of Parliament, while Trump will not.
The justification that it is the day following the end of Parliament’s session is not valid, as Members of Parliament and peers returned to listen to the late Pope Benedict address them in 2010 under the same conditions.
There will be a steady stream of right-wing British allies of Trump visiting him in the coming days, including Nigel Farage and fellow Brexit figure Andy Wigmore, who will highlight that others received more favorable treatment.
How can Starmer attract Trump?
It is known that the leader of the government devised a way to handle the diplomatic issue of needing to play golf, during a recent gathering in Westminster.
The prime minister is said to have proposed, ‘We flip a coin. If the president wins, we play golf; if I win, we play football.’
Considering how much Trump enjoyed his time with Chelsea players after awarding them the World Club Cup, that could be a possible approach.
However, it will require more than a chance decision for Sir Keir to convince the president regarding these additional matters.
The key point is that Trump prioritizes connections and relies on individuals who are honest with him and reciprocate that trust.
Back in Canada for the G7 summitTrump indicated that the UK would prosper under his leadership. because he likes Starmer.
He stated: “The UK is highly secure. Do you know why? Because I have a fondness for them. The prime minister has performed exceptionally well. He has accomplished what others have been discussing for six years and has done so.”
Starmer will require all the charm he appears to save for his global responsibilities to achieve his goals on Monday. However, recent events indicate that it might all be attainable for him.
The Independent represents a variety of principles, typically in a distinctive manner. It remains separate from any political party loyalty, and forms its own opinions on current topics. The Independent has consistently aimed to encourage discussion and argument. It was established in 1986 to introduce a fresh perspective, and over the years has supported initiatives covering issues such as the legalisation of cannabis to the Final Say Brexit campaign.
