Starmer Seeks Trade Talks with Trump Amid Tensions

Sir Keir Starmer, the UK Prime Minister, is seeking to initiate trade talks with US President Donald Trump following his inauguration, despite not being invited to the event. Starmer is focused on securing assurances against potential tariffs Trump has threatened on UK imports, which could significantly impact British businesses. Concurrently, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey is advocating for the UK to rejoin the EU customs union to bolster the economy and provide a stronger negotiating position against Trump's administration. Davey argues that a new customs union, targeted for implementation by 2030, would enhance the UK's economic resilience and reduce reliance on the US. This stance puts pressure on Starmer, who has ruled out rejoining the EU's single market or customs union, but remains committed to improving EU relations. The backdrop to these discussions includes recent financial market volatility and concerns about the UK's economic stability.