'Free speech' row threatens to derail PM's Trump talks

An under-siege Keir Starmer is facing a showdown with Donald Trump over “free speech” in the UK, which could derail crucial talks during the US president’s state visit.

- DAVID MADDOX

Senior Washington sources have told The Independent that free speech is now top of the president's agenda when he visits Chequers on Thursday for talks with the prime minister at the end of his trip.

The issue could derail hopes by the UK government to get a deal to remove steel tariffs, and will take up time they want to use to discuss the increasingly complex picture on the international stage, given the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

It will not, though, wreck an expected announcement on a major new tech partnership between the two countries, partly because insiders claim “Trump needs Britain to succeed”.

But the prime minister is now facing the talks without his key man after sacking Lord Mandelson as ambassador to the US on Friday over revelations about his relationship with the disgraced former financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

The president lands tomorrow evening with the UK government in chaos and in danger of imploding. Sir Keir will be looking for help from President Trump to provide him with a boost.

He is due at events with King Charles at Windsor Castle including a gun salute, and a carriage procession through the estate accompanied by the Household Cavalry.

The president is also due to lay a wreath at the tomb of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who he revered, and the events will end with a state banquet hosted by the King.

On Thursday, President Trump and his wife Melania will say farewell to the Royal family and head to Chequers for talks with the prime minister, with trade, future relationship between the two countries, international affairs and free speech all on the agenda.

A source close to Trump revealed to