Starmer presses Trump on ‘desperate’ situation in Gaza during meeting in Scotland
Referring to images of war-torn Gaza, Starmer said: ‘I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they are seeing on their screens’
US President Donald Trump on Monday used his luxury golf course on Scotland’s coast to host British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, mixing critical discussions on the deepening food crisis in Gaza, Russia’s war in Ukraine and tariff rates with boasts about the property’s opulence.
The two increasingly close leaders seemed relaxed and happy together, with Trump often treating the sit-down as if he were back in the Oval Office, while also not missing the chance to talk up his Turnberry course – which enriches his family business.
When the prime minister and his wife, Victoria, arrived at Trump Turnberry, the Republican president spent several minutes chatting to them and proudly pointing out key sites around the property.
Starmer came determined to press the US to take a larger role in helping quell what he called a “desperate situation” amid increasing reports of starvation in Gaza as the Israel-Gaza war rages.
Trump at first was focused on complaining about the US not having received enough credit for previously providing food aid. But he shifted his tone when reporters questioned him about images of emaciated children from Gaza.
Asked if he agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks about concerns of mass starvation in Gaza being overstated, he replied: “I don’t know. I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.”