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Politics Weekly UK

Special episode: Inside the room when Starmer met Trump – Politics Weekly Westminster

Feb 28, 2025
Get a fascinating behind-the-scenes account of Keir Starmer's recent meeting with Donald Trump at the White House. Discover how Starmer's charm offensive was received and whether it made any headway on crucial issues like tariffs and the Ukraine conflict. The discussion dives into the political fallout of unexpected ministerial resignations, highlighting the challenges facing the Prime Minister. With insights on UK-US relations, personal diplomacy, and the complexities of international negotiations, this analysis unpacks the intricate dynamics at play.
31:03

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Starmer's trip to Washington aimed to strengthen UK-US relations by addressing key geopolitical issues, notably support for Ukraine against Russian aggression.
  • The discussions around trade revealed cautious optimism, focusing on sector-specific agreements while highlighting the uncertainty surrounding future US-UK trade relations.

Deep dives

Annalise Dodds' Resignation: A Political Shock

Annalise Dodds, the Minister of State for Development, dramatically resigned due to the government's decision to cut the foreign aid budget in favor of increasing defense spending. Her resignation was expected, as she had previously expressed discontent with the government's direction on development issues. The timing of her announcement, which coincided with the Prime Minister's return from a critical trip to Washington, brought attention to internal conflicts within the government. Her departure highlights the tension surrounding the prioritization of foreign aid in the face of national security commitments.

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