Starmer to Urge Trump to Help End Gaza Suffering in High-Stakes Scotland Meeting

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to urge US President Donald Trump to take stronger action to end “the unspeakable suffering” in Gaza when the two leaders meet Monday at Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland. The meeting, which will also cover trade and global security issues, comes amid mounting international concern over the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Starmer is expected to press Trump to help revive stalled ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, as the threat of famine looms over Gaza’s two million residents. The UK prime minister is also likely to praise US coordination with Qatar and Egypt on ceasefire efforts, while encouraging Washington to intensify pressure for a lasting truce and the release of hostages.

“He will discuss further with him what more can be done to secure the ceasefire urgently, bring an end to the unspeakable suffering and starvation in Gaza, and free the hostages who have been held so cruelly for so long,” a Downing Street spokesperson said Sunday.

Trade, Ukraine, and the Middle East Top the Agenda

The talks will take place a day after the US and EU struck a breakthrough deal to end a transatlantic tariff standoff. Starmer and Trump will also discuss the implementation of a UK-US trade agreement signed in May, which reduced tariffs on key UK exports but has yet to take effect. Trump called the deal “great” for both nations and praised Starmer, saying he was doing “a very good job.”

According to a UK government statement, the leaders will also touch on joint efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, as well as broader global security cooperation.

Growing Pressure on Gaza Crisis

The Gaza conflict is expected to dominate the conversation, particularly following Israel’s announcement of a “tactical pause” in parts of the enclave to allow UN agencies to open secure land routes for aid. While Starmer has supported recent UK-backed aid airdrops coordinated with Jordan and the UAE, humanitarian organizations remain skeptical that such deliveries can adequately meet the urgent needs of Gaza’s population.

On Sunday, Trump acknowledged the dire humanitarian situation, saying the US would increase aid to Gaza but emphasized that the crisis requires a global response. “It’s not a US problem. It’s an international problem,” he told reporters before trade talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Calls for Recognition of Palestinian Statehood

Starmer is also under growing domestic and international pressure to recognize a Palestinian state — a step France has committed to take in September. More than 220 UK MPs, including many from the ruling Labour Party, have urged the prime minister to follow suit. However, Downing Street’s statement ahead of the Trump meeting made no mention of Palestinian statehood.

Starmer has recently held discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, with all three leaders agreeing on the need for “robust plans” to turn any ceasefire into a foundation for lasting peace.

From Diplomacy to Golf

After their meeting, Starmer and Trump are expected to travel to Aberdeen, where the US president is set to inaugurate a new golf course at his resort on Tuesday. Trump has spent the weekend playing golf at Turnberry, combining diplomacy with leisure during his five-day visit to Scotland — a trip that continues to blur the lines between his presidential role and his business interests.