UK

Andy Burnham has moved a step closer to posing a leadership threat to Sir Keir Starmer, declining to rule out stepping down as Greater Manchester mayor early. Leaving his post would pave the way for a return to the Commons, opening the door to a possible Labour leadership challenge.He is one of the favourites among Labour MPs to succeed Sir Keir, whose dismal poll ratings have led to speculation that he could be ousted before the next general election, due by 2029.Mr Burnham said yesterday that it was his “full intention” to remain in position in Manchester until 2028, when his mayoral term ends. But significantly, he added: “If events change, I’m not necessarily going to be stuck religiously in one way of thinking.”Andy Burnham suggested someone from the North would be a good choice for Labour’s new deputy leader More

Donald Trump has said he “didn’t want” Sir Sadiq Khan at events put on for his second state visit to the UK, escalating his feud with the London mayor by describing him as “among the worst mayors in the world”.Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on the way back from his state visit, the US president claimed that Sir Sadiq had wanted to attend, but “I asked that he not be there”.It is the latest in a long-running war of words between Mr Trump and the Labour mayor, who accused the American leader of encouraging divisive far-right politics around the world as he landed in Britain earlier this week.Sadiq Khan and Donald Trump have had a long-running spat More

Britain does not have the same culture of “entrepreneurial drive” as the US, Business Secretary Peter Kyle has said.Mr Kyle told investors that students in the UK lack the same “drive” and “vigour” of those in the States during an event in central London hosted by US AI giant Nvidia on Thursday.He was there to mark the firm’s £2 billion investment in the UK’s AI sector which was announced earlier in the day.Mr Kyle spoke on stage alongside Nvidia founder Jensen Huang and US commerce secretary Howard Lutnick.He said: “I went to Stanford (University) a couple of years back and spoke to some undergraduates there.“I asked them why they chose to go to university.“Every single student in that group of 10 or 12 said because they want to set a company up – there wasn’t one that said they didn’t.“In Britain, if you went to a group of undergraduates, how big would that group have to be before you found someone that said their choice of going to university, and that choice of going to that specific university, was because they wanted to become a founder?“The entrepreneurialism simply isn’t there – the drive, the vigour.”Mr Lutnick contrasted cultural attitudes to success, adding: “In America we celebrate the entrepreneur, we celebrate success.“Europe has historically looked down on that – your participation in Europe all those years sort of convinced you to look down on it.“To build and to win and to create a trillion-dollar company you need to celebrate the building of success.“You need to have a cultural change that says we want you to win – in America we have it in our soul.“One of the reasons for the visit is for you to look at Donald Trump and get from him his love for Britain, and his advice would be follow the lead of America… your greatest friend.”Mr Lutnick also warned that nations without the capacity to build advanced technology, such as drones, risk becoming “vassal states” dependent on others for their defence.But he insisted Americans would “take care” of the UK because of their relationship.He said: “There’s an analysis that says if you can’t make drones you will be a vassal state to those who can.“You can’t have drones come into your country and expect to defend yourself unless you have the capacity to defend yourself.“One of the needs is to build sufficiently at home so we have the capacity to care for ourselves and the rest of the world.“We will take care of ourselves and, because of our special relationship, we will take care of the United Kingdom because of those things.” More

Donald Trump said a new tech deal would help the US and UK “dominate” in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) as Sir Keir Starmer hailed a “new era” for the special relationship.The US president, making an unprecedented second state visit to the UK, is determined to take on China in a battle for technological supremacy.The tech prosperity deal signed at Chequers will see US firms invest in the UK and boost co-operation on AI, quantum and other emerging technologies.Mr Trump said: “This agreement will also help America and our British allies dominate the future of artificial intelligence.”He pointed out the US is “leading China and the world by a lot” on AI.Mr Trump said the deal would “ensure our countries lead the next great technological revolution side by side”.He added: “We are committed to ensuring the UK has a secure and reliable supply of the best AI hardware and software on earth.”He said the US and UK are also working on an economic security alliance, adding “we’ll have it done very quickly”.At a joint press conference with Mr Trump, Sir Keir said: “We’ve renewed the special relationship for a new era.”He said the tech agreement signed with the US “has the power to change lives”.“It’s our chance to ensure that technologies like AI, quantum and others amplify human potential, solve problems, cure diseases, make us richer and freer, strengthen democracy not tyranny,” Sir Keir said.“This is the territory on which the future will be won.”The tech deal includes joint research programmes to develop models in areas such as biotechnology, precision medicine, cancer, rare diseases and fusion energy.Nasa and the UK Space Agency will develop AI models for space exploration, while both countries plan to co-ordinate on AI policy, exports and workforce training.The agreement further links the UK’s AI Security Institute with the US Centre for AI Standards and Innovation to promote secure AI innovation.The state visit has seen US firms commit to invest £150 billion in the UK alongside the tech prosperity agreement and co-operation on nuclear power schemes.America’s top technology companies announced £31 billion of investment, including £22 billion from Microsoft to fund an expansion of Britain’s AI infrastructure and the construction of the country’s largest AI supercomputer.Google committed £5 billion of investment, and Nvidia boss Jensen Huang hailed a “big week for AI in the UK” as the US chip giant agreed to deploy 120,000 advanced processors across the UK to help the British AI sector.But there were also signs of division between the US and UK leadership:– Mr Trump suggested military involvement in tackling the small boats crisis, warning illegal migration could “destroy” countries.– The US president acknowledged he had a “disagreement” with the Prime Minister over the UK’s intention to recognise a Palestinian state.– He urged the UK to exploit its North Sea oil and gas resources, highlighting his own “drill, baby drill” policy and dismissing wind power as a “very expensive joke”.Those moments aside, Sir Keir will be relieved the potentially awkward press conference passed without any major bust-up.One uncomfortable topic was the sacking of Lord Peter Mandelson over his ties to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, with whom Mr Trump was also associated.But the US president disowned the former US ambassador in response to the only question on Epstein.Asked whether he had sympathy with Lord Mandelson for being fired over his historic links to the sex offender, Mr Trump said: “I don’t know him actually”.Mr Trump spoke fondly about the transatlantic bond: “The United States and the United Kingdom have done more good on this planet than any two nations in human history.”Sir Keir said the UK and US were working together to put pressure on Vladimir Putin to get him to agree to a peace deal with Ukraine.Mr Trump told the news conference he thought the Ukraine war would be the “easiest” to resolve but the Russian president had “really let me down” following a ramping up of attacks on Ukraine.The president’s helicopter carrying him from Chequers to Stansted Airport made an unscheduled landing at a local airfield due to what the White House called a “minor hydraulic issue”.A backup helicopter took him to Stansted, where he boarded Air Force One and departed for Washington. More

Theresa May has been accused of being “deeply insensitive” after the former prime minister referred to assisted dying for terminally ill people as suicide during a debate on the matter last week. Baroness May, one of around 190 peers with their names down to speak on the bill across a two-day debate that will resume on Friday, referred to it as an “assisted suicide bill” and said it “effectively says suicide is OK”.In a letter to the former prime minister, seen by The Independent, 13 assisted dying campaigners have denounced the language she used, saying they “listened with dismay” as she made her intervention. “We are not suicidal – we want to live, and to make the most of the time we have left with the people we love. But we are dying and we have no choice or ability to change that,” they said. Theresa May speaking about the assisted dying bill in the House of Lords More

Donald Trump has told Sir Keir Starmer he needs to use the military to end the small boats crisis, warning illegal migration can “destroy” countries.After a day of talks, the US president offered his advice in a blockbuster press conference that rounded off his historic second state visit.Standing in the Great Hall of Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, the leaders emphasised their positive relationship and the “unbreakable bond” between their countries as they basked in their £150bn technology partnership deal, which they say will allow the UK and US “to shape the world this century like we shaped the world in the last century”.Trump and Starmer address the press at Chequers More

The arrival of Donald Trump in the UK for a second state visit has divided readers of The Independent.When we asked for your views, many were critical of the lavish ceremonies at Windsor Castle, describing the state banquet as extravagant, cringeworthy, and out of touch with the realities of austerity. Commenters highlighted the contrast between the pomp and the struggles of ordinary citizens, noting rising food insecurity and underfunded public services. Several readers characterised the visit as sycophantic, with the prime minister and monarch “grovelling” to Trump.At the same time, a minority acknowledged the potential diplomatic and economic benefits of hosting Trump. The tech partnership and investment deals announced during the visit were seen as an opportunity to strengthen the UK-US “special relationship,” create jobs, and secure long-term trade advantages.Still, unease persisted over political optics and ethical implications, including Starmer’s perceived closeness to Trump and the divergence of UK and US positions on Israel and Ukraine.Overall, while some readers saw strategic value in the visit, the majority questioned the timing, extravagance, and symbolism of a state occasion that prioritised spectacle over domestic concerns.Here’s what you had to say:Focus on UK problems firstAmong these are steel, tariffs, Ukraine and even the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, which put paid to Peter Mandelson and threatens to drag in the US president. But, most pressing, is Gaza, a subject on which Starmer and Trump are in no way aligned.Can we please concentrate on our problems first and make life better for people living in the UK? I’m not saying to pull out of international problems, but don’t waste political credit on things abroad before using it for our own problems: trade, tariffs, defence.fredIt isn’t just about usCan all the posters who said we should not allow the visit now see why it was important we did? It isn’t just about us, it is about people all over the world. Starmer is just about the only political leader Trump listens to. Chuckles has strong influence, as does William. The world needs it.much0adoStarmer’s reputation at riskIn terms of trade deals with the US there may be benefits.But in terms of Starmer’s reputation, it is likely to be a massive failure, partly because Trump is intensely disliked by so many Brits. But far worse (even than the Mandelson scandal), is the UN Commission’s view on Israel committing genocide in Gaza.That accusation of genocide has long hung around Starmer’s neck, as he has been far too reluctant to criticise Israel. So any official recognition of genocide was never going to make him look good. And now it has happened.Just as he is cosying up to Trump, the very man who could, but won’t, put pressure on Israel… all of which makes Starmer look like he is on the wrong side of history.BanderaDining with the devilOne of the downsides of politics is that you do, literally, have to dine with the devil to push your agenda… or try to accommodate his… hence the sumptuous state banquet at a very public-free state visit by Federal convict Trump at Windsor Castle this evening.Are authoritarian “Dictator for a day” Trump and Monarch of the Realm Charles compatible dining fellows, or like Pinochet’s visit during Thatcher’s iron-fisted reign, merely uncomfortable but politically expedient get-togethers? With Trump’s unpredictable and oscillating political judgements, what may seem to be achieved today may not hold good tomorrow, so this very shielded-from-public state visit really should have been kept back from so early in Trump’s presidency as a reward for playing political ball with Britain, a tenterhook moment that would have focused Trump’s attention and behaviour but now achieved is lost.BenjaminrabbitLavish jolly while people sufferOne is tempted to say little things please little minds and bring forth happiness.Many of us cringed when a sheepish Starmer presented the invitation for an unprecedented second state visit. The man has done nothing to deserve it.Well, they are all enjoying a lavish jolly while many go hungry. Go figure. And all leaders barring Ed Davey are attending.Davey has given his reasons clearly, and many will agree with his stand. It may appear futile, but attending the banquet would achieve nothing. Trump will simply not listen.Our politicians, with honourable exceptions, I find depressing and weak.49ninerNo commonalityThere is no commonality between them. Trump loves the limelight and the centre of geopolitical attention and will just be as happy to go to Beijing or Moscow for a state visit.The differences between Starmer and Trump are there for all to see:Labour’s support for the Democrat candidate during the presidential election campaign. Trump’s desire to bring the Ukraine/Russia conflict to a swift conclusion, as opposed to Starmer’s gathering of the Coalition of the Willing and sending of troops to Ukraine. Starmer’s appointment of Mandelson as US ambassador despite Trump’s objection. Starmer’s recognition of the state of Palestine, which Trump is against. OpinatorLavish banquet amid austeritySomething just doesn’t rest right within me for the UK government to host a lavish banquet at taxpayers’ expense for the likes of US President Trump.May I remind everyone that food, water, shelter, medicines, surgical aid, generators, and hygiene kits have been deliberately blockaded by the genocidal (according to the UN, but not Trump or Starmer) regime of Israel. It is bad taste indeed, regardless of the pomp and circumstance around this visit, and the possibility of favourable iron and steel tariffs with the US, be you an officer and a gentleman/lady, a serving soldier, or a British worker. In this country of great austerity, the money could have been put to fund UK food banks (Starmer is not interested) or soup kitchens in our big cities, offering a bowl of nutritious broth, bread and a hot drink. This would show the people that the government is concerned about them, rather than a laissez-faire attitude typical of Starmer when it comes to welfare, in contrast to his support for Ukraine or the pariah genocidal state of Israel.I am sorry, but I’m not going to wish the participants in this ill-timed state banquet a successful evening. I hope the electricity fails and they are forced to eat cold dinners!SophieSchollDamage limitation missionIt’s happening, so there’s no point in debating whether it’s a good idea or not.Can Britain gain anything from it? Just possibly. We’re pretty good at diplomacy. We see (in the Guardian) we’ve just done a deal with the US on small modular reactors, which might be good for both countries.But mostly I see this as another damage limitation mission: sucking up to Trump to prevent him doing more harm. And that’s a big ask when you are dealing with someone who is certifiably insane.It is also, to give it its proper name, appeasement. The King and Starmer will probably be choking on their state banquet.Kudos to Ed Davey who is boycotting the whole thing.SteveHillGrovelling under the guise of diplomacyJust another asinine British display of unabashed sycophancy and grovelling, all under the heading of preserving the “special relationship” which has never existed and never will.Embarrassing, pathetic, weak, laughable, cringeworthy.67ChapTrump’s unpredictabilityWe are quite good at diplomacy with people with identifiable goals and objectives and a rational or broadly predictable mind.You can agree with Trump on anything, and by the time you have walked down a flight of stairs, Trump will have changed his mind to a new position, changed it back to the original plan, and then sought a new plan and started to implement it, genuinely thinking he stuck to the position agreed with his protagonist.Jim987Diplomacy versus dignityThere is a time for diplomacy, then there is a time for dignity and the truth. In this instance, we have descended into the realm of suckers. Plain and simple as that.NikstipsSome of the comments have been edited for this article for brevity and clarity.The debate isn’t over. Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the day’s top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click ‘log in’ or ‘register’ in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.Make sure you adhere to our community guidelines, which can be found here. For a full guide on how to comment click here. More