UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has explained his swift action in retrieving papers dropped by US President Donald Trump at the G7 Summit. He stated that his primary concern was the potential reaction of the White House security detail if anyone other than himself had intervened.
The incident occurred during a press briefing following the signing of a new UK-US trade deal. President Trump, while showcasing the agreement, inadvertently scattered the documents. Sir Keir immediately knelt to collect the papers and return them.
Sir Keir emphasized the stringent security protocols surrounding the President, explaining his actions to reporters. He noted the potential repercussions for anyone else attempting to approach the President.
The Prime Minister also described President Trump as being “in good form” during their meeting. He highlighted the significance of the trade deal for tens of thousands of Jaguar Land Rover employees and their supply chain, averting potential job losses feared without an agreement.
Sir Keir confirmed communication with the CEO of JLR, underscoring the relief felt by the approximately 44,000 workers affected. The deal eliminates tariffs on aerospace products and reduces the car export levy to 10%.
However, the agreement does not address steel import tariffs, which remain at 25%, with negotiations ongoing. President Trump’s prior imposition of tariffs on various goods had caused significant global economic anxiety, particularly impacting UK car manufacturers and steel producers.
Sir Keir characterized the deal signing as a momentous occasion for both nations, a sentiment echoed by President Trump, who praised Sir Keir’s efforts. The agreement, however, has faced criticism from UK opposition parties, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch describing it as a “tiny tariff deal.”
Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter for insightful political analysis, UK-wide perspectives, and updates on major political events, delivered daily to your inbox.
The BBC’s James Landale highlights the US president’s role at the summit amidst the ongoing Middle East conflict.
New York City’s chief finance officer, Brad Lander, was briefly detained while assisting a defendant’s exit from immigration court.
Flight tracking data reveals the relocation of at least 30 US military aircraft from American bases to Europe.
Irish exports experienced a decline in April, attributed to the ongoing impact of President Trump’s tariffs.
The joint statement was signed by President Trump, who subsequently departed the summit in Canada prematurely.