Prime Minister Keir Starmer held his first official call with US President Donald Trump on Friday, discussing ongoing trade talks and shared security concerns, amid tensions surrounding America’s sweeping new tariffs.
The Downing Street readout described the conversation as “positive and productive,” with both leaders signalling optimism over the prospects of a UK–US trade agreement. Starmer reaffirmed Britain’s support for free and open trade, but underscored the importance of protecting key national interests.
The call comes weeks after Trump’s administration imposed a global 10% baseline tariff on foreign imports, with some British goods—including cars, steel and aluminium—facing duties as high as 25%. While Trump announced a temporary 90-day pause on parts of the tariff package, major sectors of the UK economy remain exposed.
Starmer and Trump also discussed a range of global flashpoints, including the war in Ukraine, instability in Iran, and the recent joint military action against Houthi targets in Yemen. Both leaders reportedly expressed a shared interest in maintaining international security and stability.
According to sources in London and Washington, US Vice President J.D. Vance has said there’s a “good chance” of concluding a trade deal, with British Chancellor Rachel Reeves expected to travel to Washington next week to continue negotiations.
Trump, however, has struck a more cautious tone, saying he is in “no rush” to reach agreements while current tariffs continue to generate significant revenues. “Lots of countries want deals, frankly more than I do,” Trump said on Thursday.
Downing Street also confirmed that a potential Trump state visit to the UK is being planned for September, which could serve as a high-profile platform to seal progress on trade and deepen diplomatic ties.
