The United Kingdom (UK) Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to urge U.S. President Donald Trump to back efforts to end the war in Gaza during a private meeting in Scotland on Monday, raising the possibility of diplomatic tension over the Middle East crisis.
Starmer’s push for an urgent ceasefire contrasts with Trump’s more hawkish stance. The U.S. president has stated that Hamas does not want peace, suggesting a potential flashpoint between the two leaders.
The meeting will take place during Mr Trump’s brief visit to Scotland, where he is visiting both of his golf courses. He will also meet with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss transatlantic trade relations.
While the UK-U.S. trade deal, finalized in May, will be a key topic of discussion, Starmer plans to broaden the agenda to include support for Ukraine and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Sources suggest he will reaffirm the UK’s commitment to securing the release of the approximately 50 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
On Saturday, Starmer confirmed that Britain will evacuate critically ill children from the Gaza Strip for treatment in the UK. He also announced cooperation with Jordan on a plan to deliver aid via air drops.
“Israel must allow aid in over land to end the starvation unfolding in Gaza. The situation is desperate,” Starmer said. “We are urgently accelerating efforts to evacuate children who need critical medical assistance.”
Meanwhile, Israel has announced new humanitarian measures, including air drops of food packages and the establishment of corridors for UN aid convoys. A power line will also be reconnected, increasing Gaza’s water supply by an estimated 20,000 cubic metres.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that the aid drops would include flour, sugar, and canned food. “The humanitarian airdrop operation will be conducted in coordination with international aid organisations,” the IDF said on X.
Starmer speaks on Palestinian state
Starmer, who pledged in Labour’s 2024 manifesto to formally recognise a Palestinian state, continues to delay the move, citing the importance of timing. Some senior Cabinet members, including Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, have called for immediate recognition.
Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, strongly criticised the idea. She argued that recognition would be tantamount to a reward for terrorism following Hamas’s October 7 attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis.
Despite their political differences, Starmer and Trump have built a surprisingly cordial relationship. Speaking after landing at Glasgow Prestwick Airport on Friday, Trump praised the UK leader.
“I like your Prime Minister, slightly more liberal than I am, as you probably heard, but he’s a good man,” Trump said. “He got a trade deal done. They’ve been working on this deal for 12 years. He got it done. It’s a good deal for the UK.”
Trump confirmed there would be no renegotiation of the deal next week but promised a celebration of the agreement during his visit.
Protests across Scotland during Trump’s visit have been largely peaceful. Police Scotland reported no arrests at demonstrations related directly to the former president’s presence.
However, a 50-year-old woman was issued a police warning for alleged threatening behaviour at a Stop Trump protest outside the U.S. consulate in Edinburgh. In Glasgow, a 49-year-old counter-protester was arrested for allegedly obstructing police during a mass deportation rally led by Ukip figure Nick Tenconi.
Police also reported two unrelated arrests in Aberdeen. One involved an 18-year-old man wanted on multiple warrants, while a 56-year-old man will be reported for an alleged assault.
