High hopes and top security as Trump lands in Britain

Sir Keir Starmer is pinning his hopes of political revival on the long-awaited state visit by Donald Trump after the two leaders unveiled a multibillion-pound tech investment deal to kick off the historic two-day affair.

- DAVID MADDOX

The under-fire prime minister will be hoping to make progress on the international stage after coming through his worst fortnight since entering office. The past two weeks have seen the sacking of Peter Mandelson and the resignation of two of Sir Keir's key allies, events that have prompted speculation that he may not remain in post until the next election.

As President Trump touched down in the UK, the two leaders announced a "tech prosperity deal" that will see Britain and the US cooperate on AI, nuclear power, and quantum computing.

As part of £31bn worth of backing from America's top tech companies, Microsoft will make its largest-ever investment in the UK, of £22bn.

As a buoyant Mr Trump departed the White House, he made clear that he is open to helping Britain when it comes to trade, but reserved his praise for "my friend" King Charles, whom he described as an "elegant gentleman".

He told reporters: "They want to see if they can refine the trade deal... and I'm into helping them."