Starmer plans Trump’s Scottish summer visit as PM holds urgent talks after trade war shocks markets
Sir Keir Starmer is working to persuade Donald Trump to visit Scotland this summer for a meeting with King Charles, as the UK scrambles to secure a trade agreement following US tariffs.
Downing Street has presented the White House with two potential “windows” for the US president’s visit: June or, more likely, between late August and early September.
The proposed itinerary includes being hosted by the King at Balmoral Castle and a round of golf at Trump’s Turnberry resort.
The royal invitation could serve as a useful incentive in trade talks, according to Whitehall sources.
Sir Keir Starmer is working to persuade Donald Trump to visit Scotland this summer
REUTERS
Balmoral Castle is located among the Scottish HighlandsPA
The King spends late summer at Balmoral, which closes on 11 August for his arrival until mid-September
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Donald Trump shows off his tariff boardREUTERS
Stock markets plummeted across the world Stock markets plummeted across the world on Friday as China announced retaliatory action against the US, applying 34 per cent levies against all American goods.
The FTSE 100 fell 4.7 per cent in its worst day for five years, while US markets suffered a further 4 per cent drop.
The Prime Minister spoke to Anthony Albanese and Giorgia Meloni on Friday to coordinate his tariffs response with allies.
A Downing Street spokesman said: “They all agreed that an all-out trade war would be extremely damaging and is in nobody’s interests.”
Starmer will spend the weekend at Chequers calling other world leaders.
Downing Street acknowledges that a trade deal with the US is not imminent, with one UK government source saying of Trump’s tariff agenda: “He wanted his big bang.”
There is wide acceptance in Whitehall that exemptions are not Trump’s focus at present.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is leading trade negotiations for the UK.
Donald Trump arrives by helicopter at the Trump International Golf Links at BalmediePA
A framework for a potential deal has emerged, with some government figures suggesting it is ready for sign-off when Trump decides to proceed.
Discussions have involved potentially axing or reducing a digital services tax that currently raises £800 million annually.
Number 10 insists some elements remain in flux.
Trump’s connection to Scotland runs deep through his late mother, Mary MacLeod, who was born on the Isle of Lewis.
Downing Street’s strategy for building rapport with Trump has long included leveraging his affection for the Royal family, which he shared with his mother.
The US president’s Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeen is hosting the PGA Seniors Championship in early August.
A second course named after his mother, Mary MacLeod, will open at the site this summer.
The Aberdeen course is just over an hour’s drive from Balmoral, or half that by helicopter.
