Relief for Starmer after state visit success won't last long

The stakes were high for Donald Trump's state visit to the UK this week. From questions over the appointment of Peter Mandelson and the US president's links with Jeffrey Epstein, to criticism of the UK's free speech laws, there was certainly no guarantee of success.

- MILLIE COOKE

After a nightmare return to parliament for Keir Starmer, who saw the departure of both Mandelson and his deputy Angela Rayner in the space of two weeks, the prime minister needed a boost amid growing speculation that he may not remain in post until the next election.

There were a few sticky moments, such as when Trump told the prime minister to call the army in to tackle migration. He also admitted disagreements over the recognition of Palestine.

But the US president avoided any open berating of the UK, and glossed over questions on Mandelson and free speech - leaving the visit, overall, looking like a success story for the relationship between the Labour government and the Republican administration in the States.