UK, Canada Near Revival of £28bn Trade Talks Ahead of G7

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has arrived in Ottawa to revive stalled trade negotiations with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney ahead of the G7 summit, aiming to strengthen trade ties and economic cooperation amid global economic shifts. The talks seek to overcome previous disputes, such as those over beef and cheese, with Starmer expressing openness to expanding free trade beyond existing agreements to boost British economic interests and reduce trade barriers. Both leaders emphasize the importance of their nations' sovereignty and alliance, notably rejecting US President Donald Trump's characterization of Canada as the "51st state," which has caused tensions in the region. Starmer has maintained a diplomatic but warm relationship with Trump while positioning the UK as a committed, free, and open trading nation, seeking to mitigate the impact of Trump's tariffs on global trade. The discussions will also address security concerns and broader geopolitical challenges, including recent conflicts in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine, highlighting the interconnected nature of trade and international security. The UK-Canada partnership is portrayed as a strategic effort to secure economic resilience and uphold shared values in a volatile global environment.