During a recent news conference marking the conclusion of his second state visit to the UK, former US President Donald Trump made a bold suggestion to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, advocating the potential use of military forces to address the issue of illegal migration. This discussion took place after a meeting at Trump's country residence, Chequers, where both leaders exchanged views on pressing migration challenges.
Trump emphasized the necessity of securing borders, drawing parallels between the US and the UK regarding their struggles with migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. "You have people coming in, and I told the prime minister I would stop it. It doesn't matter if you call out the military; it doesn't matter what means you use," Trump stated. He expressed a firm belief that uncontrolled migration can "destroy countries from within," highlighting his administration's increased focus on deporting illegal immigrants since his return to the White House in January.
Throughout his two-day visit, Trump enjoyed a series of royal engagements, including a reception at Windsor Castle hosted by King Charles and the Royal Family. On Wednesday, he attended a state banquet before engaging in political talks with Prime Minister Starmer on Thursday, where they covered a wide range of topics.
In a comprehensive Q&A session with journalists from the UK and the US, Trump and Starmer discussed various issues, including Palestinian statehood, free speech, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and energy policies. The leaders emphasized the special relationship between the UK and the US and announced a new technological partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.
The new tech prosperity deal, signed at Chequers, is expected to result in increased investments from US firms in the UK, thereby strengthening collaboration in critical areas like AI and quantum technology. Despite the positive discussions, Trump and Starmer navigated through several contentious issues, including the recent sacking of Lord Peter Mandelson as the UK's ambassador to the US over his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
When asked about his thoughts on Mandelson, Trump remarked, "I don't know him actually," and tactfully redirected the question to Starmer, showcasing a diplomatic approach amid potentially awkward exchanges.
One significant point of contention arose regarding Palestinian statehood. Prime Minister Starmer plans to recognize Palestinian statehood ahead of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, while Trump opposed such a move. He criticized the armed group Hamas for using hostages as leverage, reflecting his administration's stance on the Middle Eastern conflict.
The war in Ukraine also featured prominently in their discussions, with Trump expressing disappointment in Russian President Vladimir Putin for not engaging in peace efforts. "He's really let me down," Trump said, while also urging Western allies to stop purchasing Russian oil as a means to pressure Putin into negotiations. However, he did not commit to imposing sanctions on Moscow.
Despite some differences, there was a notable sense of unity between Trump and Starmer on the critical issue of illegal migration. Standing alongside Trump, the prime minister stated that illegal migration is a matter his government is taking "incredibly seriously," signaling a collaborative approach to addressing this pressing challenge.
As the visit concluded, Trump and First Lady Melania Trump departed the UK from Stansted Airport aboard Air Force One, marking the end of a significant diplomatic engagement that highlighted ongoing issues of migration, technology, and international relations.
