Labour leader Keir Starmer's high-profile meeting with former US President Donald Trump in Scotland was intended to focus on trade deals and steel tariffs. However, the escalating violence in Gaza quickly dominated the conversation, exposing rifts within the Cabinet over the UK's stance on the Middle East conflict.
Unexpected Shift in Agenda
What was meant to be a discussion on economic cooperation swiftly turned into a debate on foreign policy as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza took centre stage. Sources close to the meeting revealed that Starmer and Trump clashed over the UK's position, with the Labour leader emphasising the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid.
Cabinet Divisions Exposed
The meeting highlighted deepening divisions within the UK government, with some ministers advocating for a stronger condemnation of the violence, while others urged caution to avoid alienating key allies. The tension was palpable, with one insider describing the atmosphere as "frosty."
Steel Tariffs Take a Backseat
Despite the initial focus on steel tariffs and potential trade agreements, the talks were overshadowed by the urgent need to address the Middle East crisis. Starmer's team had hoped to secure concessions on trade, but the political fallout from Gaza left little room for progress.
What’s Next?
As the Labour leader returns to Westminster, the pressure is on to reconcile the party's stance on Gaza with its broader economic agenda. With the Cabinet deeply divided, Starmer faces a challenging balancing act in the weeks ahead.
