Donald Trump said a new tech deal would help the US and UK “dominate” in the world of artificial intelligence (AI) as Sir Keir Starmer hailed a “new era” for the special relationship.

The US president, making an unprecedented second state visit to the UK, is determined to take on China in a battle for technological supremacy.

The tech prosperity deal signed at Chequers will see US firms invest in the UK and boost co-operation on AI, quantum and other emerging technologies.

Mr Trump said: “This agreement will also help America and our British allies dominate the future of artificial intelligence.”

He pointed out the US is “leading China and the world by a lot” on AI.

Mr Trump said the deal would “ensure our countries lead the next great technological revolution side by side”.

He added: “We are committed to ensuring the UK has a secure and reliable supply of the best AI hardware and software on earth.”

He said the US and UK are also working on an economic security alliance, adding “we’ll have it done very quickly”.

Palestine:

Donald Trump described Sir Keir Starmer’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state as “one of our few disagreements”.The US President, who is opposed to the idea, told the joint press conference: “I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score, one of our few disagreements actually.”Sir Keir was also forced to defend his timing after he was asked by a journalist about reports he was waiting for Mr Trump’s state visit to wrap up before making an announcement in an awkward moment.The Prime Minister said: “On the question of recognition, I made my position clear at the end of July, so the timing, it’s got nothing to do with this state visit.”I’ve discussed it with the President, as you would expect, amongst two leaders who respect each other and like each other, and want to bring about a better solution in the best way that we can.”Sir Keir previously said he plans to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of the United Nations general assembly in New York this month if Israel does not meet a series of conditions to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Free Speech:

Donald Trump paid tribute to his friend Charlie Kirk yesterday, who was brutally killed last week. He branded the MAGA influencer “a great American” who had “a shot some day at being president.”The remarks came as Sir Keir was repeatedly questioned about freedom of speech, insisting it remains a “founding value” of Britain.While the PM promised to “bear down on any limits on free speech”, he put up a strong defence of the Online Safety Act, which Reform UK has warned is a threat to expression online.Sir Keir said: “I draw a limit on free speech and those that want to peddle paedophilia and suicide content on social media.”Responding to news that US talkshow host Jimmy Kimmel had been sacked over comments about Mr Kirk’s killing, President Trump said Mr Kimmel had been pulled off air “because he had bad ratings more than anything else”.

Ukraine:

Donald Trump said he was “let down” by Russian dictator Vladimir Putin’s failure to end the invasion of Ukraine, but stressed that the conflict “doesn’t affect the United States”.The President also warned the situation could have led to a third world war, but said he believed that danger had been averted.Portraying himself as a global peacemaker, Mr Trump said he had “solved seven wars”. He said the Ukraine conflict was “the one that I thought would be easiest … because of my relationship with President Putin, but he’s let me down.He continued: “It doesn’t affect the United States, other than unless if you end up in a world war over this thing. You could.”Mr Trump later added: “That’s a war that could have been a third world war and I don’t think we are going to be there now.“That was heading to a third world war. And what a shame it is.”

North Sea:

Donald Trump has urged Keir Starmer to “drill baby drill” while declaring wind power “a very expensive joke”. The US President said that the North Sea was “phenomenal” after the UK Prime Minister spoke of the importance of mixing the use of oil and gas with renewable energy. Sir Keir said he was determined to lower the cost of energy. He added: “Because this is so important, the mix will include oil and gas for many years to come from the North Sea. We have been clear about that for some time, but we also need to mix that with renewables. But Mr Trump said he brought the price of fuel “way down”. He added: “And we don’t do wind because wind is a disaster. “It’s a very expensive joke, frankly … so that was very important. Drill, baby, drill. “And you have a great asset here we spoke about, it’s called the North Sea. The North Sea oil is phenomenal…and you have great assets that you’re going to start using, I believe, under this Prime Minister, thank you.”

Beth Rigby finally raises Lord Mandelson.

She asks if Trump has sympathy for him for losing his job over links to Epstein.

“I think maybe the Prime Minister would be better speaking to that. I don’t know what is your answer on that.”

Starmer splutters his usual line about uncovering new information about Mandelson’s relationship with the paedophile.

Trump claims he “doesn’t know” Mandelson despite the pair meeting multiple time.

Trump slaps down Robert Peston over his question on the “demolition of Gaza”.

Trump says “you do understand?” about October 7th.

Keir Starmer has been skewered by a US reporter, who asked why he’s waiting until Trump leaves the UK before recognising Palestine.

The reporter also points out that it amounts to a reward of Hamas.

The PM insists Hamas is a “terrorist organisation that can have now future part in the future of Palestine.”

He says he discussed it with the President and the timing had nothing to do with his departure.

Quizzed about free speech, Sir Keir insists free speech has “long lived” in this country and it’s one of our “founding values”.

“We will bear down on any limits on free speech.

“I draw a limit on free speech and those that want to peddle paedophilia and suicide content on social media.”

Trump just announced “breaking news” that the US is trying to regain control of Bagram Airbase from the Taliban in Afghanistan

Trump says “you could” end up with WW3 because of Ukraine.

He insists the war would never have happened had he won the 2020 election.

“Putin didn’t respect the leadership of the USA.”

He made the comments beside Sir Keir Starmer at a join press conference.

Trump suggests Starmer must “drill, baby, drill” not pursue windmills which are a “joke”.

He says his policy brought down inflation, and says North Sea Oil is a “great asset”.

“I love this country. I want this country to do well. You have great assets you need to start using.”

Starmer has boasted about finally removing an illegal Indian immigrant back to France after days of chaos.

“We struck the return arrangement with France, and notwithstanding the challenges to that scheme, a flight set off this morning.

“That is an important step forward.”

Trump boasts about his record on smashing illegal immigration into America.

He says millions were coming in from prisons, mental institutions, drug gangs.

He said it was one of the reasons he decided to run “because I saw what was happening”

“What I saw happening with millions pouring into our country I couldn’t stand to watch it. Nobody, absolutely zero, over the last three months enter our country illegally.”

“I think it’s very important. I think your situation is very similar.

“I told the Prime Minister I would stop. It doesn’t matter if you call out the military, it doesn’t matter means you use, it destroys countries from within.”

Keir Starmer insists that both he and Trump agree on the need for peace and a roadmap.

He says it’s within that context for a plan for peace that the question of recognition “needs to be seen” as part of that package.

Trump says he wants the hostages released “right now”, not in drips and drabs.

“I said to them, was there any warmth shown during your stay… everyone of them said not even a little bit. Amazing to think during this long stay… I’m shocked to hear it.

“We have to remember October 7. One of the most violent days in the history of the world. And I want an end, I want the hostages released.

“It has been a brutal period of time. This has been going on for a period of time… going on for decades.

“We want the fighting the stop and it’s going to stop. Hamas said they’re going to put the hostages up as bait, in front of any attack.”

“I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score – one of our few disagreements.”

Trump pays tribute to Charlie Kirk after his assassination.

“Just last week a great American, Charlie Kirk, was heinously assassinated for speaking his mind.

“He was a great young man. Some people said he might be president some day, I told him ‘Charlie I think you’ve got a shot some day at being president.”

Donald Trump’s been boasting for a few minutes.

He’s now got back to the visit.

He praises Starmer’s commitment to 5% of GDP on defence, though he seems to wrongly believe Britain will hit that level “very quickly”.

He says Putin has “let me down”.

He says “over the years British and American troops have shed their blood side by side in the defence of freedom”

Trump says the UK and US have done more good on this planet than any two nations in history.

He cites British liberty which was carried to the new world.

“We are forever friends, and we will always be friends.”

He says he was “thrilled” to make his first trade deal with Britain, joking Starmer may have got a better deal due to being a “great negotiator”.

“It’s no exaggeration to say that the partnership our two nations have built has shaped the world, from the beaches of Normandy to founding NATO to the creation of tech that has revolutionised our lives.

“It’s British and American men and women, side by side, changing the path of history.”

Starmer says the US and UK are “also united in the pursuit of peace”.

He says they’re working together to end the “humanitarian catastrophe” in the Middle East, get aid in and free the hostages, and bring Israel and the region back towards a comprehensive plan for peace.

He says the same of Ukraine. “Putin has shown his true face, mounting the biggest attack since the invasion began.”

“These are not the actions of someone who wants peace.”

“While we shape this bond for a new era, the fundamentals have not changed.

“Security remains the cornerstone of this special relationship.

“We have the deepest relationship in the world.

“Our industries build together.

“So now as we drive up defence spending we’re going to sweep away the barriers to working together on new defence technologies.”

Keir Starmer says the UK and US have confirmed their status as the first partners in science and tech, to define the next century “just like we did the last”.

He highlights UK-US allyship on defence and the economy.

He says it will “strengthen the cause of democracy”.

“This partnership today is a signal”

Presser starting

This press conference is now around 50 minutes late.

Apparently journalists in the room are starting to get quite restless.

Our man on the ground Martyn Brown is in the Great Hall inside Chequers for the press conference.

Should be beginning within the next few minutes.

Sir Keir Starmer and Donald Trump watched a demonstration by the Red Devils, the British Army’s parachute display team.

Members of the team jumped over Chequers, one carrying a large Union flag and another a large Stars and Stripes.

They were watched by the two leaders and their wives, before landing in the grounds of the estate.

Sir Keir Starmer laid on the charm in his joint appearance with the President.

He said: “I think we all agree – there is so much to celebrate in the special relationship between our two countries.

By standing together in war and in peace…

This bond is the very foundation…

Of our security, our freedom, and our prosperity.

But what is the relationship about when it comes down to brass tacks?

It comes down to leaders – of course.

Leaders who respect each other –

Leaders who genuinely like each other.

And it comes down to our unique relationship on defence –

The closest the world has ever seen.

It comes down to the connections between our people –

Ties of family and friendship –

The President himself is a shining example of that.”

Trump has boasted about his tariff regime, which Starmer has had to deal with as it poses a big threat to the UK economy.

He claims: “We’ve never seen investment like this – without the tariffs we would have just a fraction of that.

“We’re really the only ones that can do tariffs, nobody else is able to do them, with us it works because people have to be [in the US economy].”

Keir Starmer looked very awkward as Donald Trump went off script to boast about his record in the US of smashing illegal immigration.

It comes as Starmer’s returns agreement with France has seemingly fallen apart in the courts.

Rachel Reeves has been spotted in the audience.

Trump quips that AI “is taking over the world”.

He points to ChatGPT: “You’re taking over the world, Jensen [Huang], I don’t know what you’re doing here! We both hope you’re right!”

Trump says today’s visit to Chequers is an “honour”.

“Sincerely grateful to PM Starmer and Lady Starmer for welcoming us to this special home, this beautiful place.

“I was here a number of years ago but somehow today it looks even more historic.

“Melania and I are forever thankful to HM King Charles III and HM Queen Camilla, we had a fantastic evening last night.

“It really was an honour. The ties between our two countries are priceless, a beautiful inheritance. We’re making our ties greater than ever before.

“I think it’s an unbreakable bond that we have.”

Starmer and Trump are about to sign a new technology partnership – The Tech Prosperity Deal.

“A blueprint to win this new era together, shape it according to our shared values and seize incredible new opportunities that are on offer”.

Starmer highlights new deals with Nvidia, Enscale, OpenAI, Google, Salesforce and others.

Backing cutting edge British jobs.

Keir Starmer says today’s announced investment package is record breaking.

He claims the deals and investments that have been announced break all records, summing to £250 billion “flowing both ways across the Atlantic”.

“It is the biggest investment package of its kind in British history by a country mile.”

It will create 15,000 jobs across the UK, including Belfast, Birmingham, Hartlepool and the Humber.

Keir Starmer has sat down with Donald Trump for a business meeting.

Stay tuned for updates…

Express political editor Martyn Brown has delivered an update from Chequers, where we are anticipating a press conference later today.

Listen to his update below.

Miami Republican Committeewoman Angie Wong has said the state visit is proving that Britain is “open for business”.

Ms Wong told Sky News: “It’s been great, especially the optics that have been incredible to watch,

“I think two clear messages have come out so far: The message is clear to Washington, DC, that the UK is open for business and that the UK is treating America as a priority partner.

“I think Trump sees this visit as the UK becoming the go-to European partner for America. A very trusted ally, a bond that can’t be broken, and I think that’s what we’re seeing play out over the three day visit.”

US president Donald Trump has bid a formal farewell to the King and Queen at Windsor Castle after they hosted his historic second state visit.

The US leader and First Lady Melania Trump spent the night in the 1,000-year-old royal residence after being feted with a lavish state banquet and an array of military celebrations.

The couple were saying their goodbyes to the monarch and Camilla in the castle’s grand Green Corridor on Thursday morning before Mr Trump headed to the Prime Minister’s country residence Chequers, ready to turn his attention to politics.

The four posed for a joint photograph together in the atmospheric corridor which is lined with gilt edged historic paintings and antique furniture.

Outside at the sovereign’s entrance, the King said a solo goodbye with Mr Trump shaking his hands warmly and placing his other hand on top. The president said “thank you very much, everybody. He’s a great gentleman and a great King”.

The Windsor Castle detachment of The King’s Guard turned out in the Quadrangle outside to mark Mr Trump’s departure. Although Melania attended the official parting of ways, she is in fact staying behind to carry out joint engagements, first with Camilla, and then the Princess of Wales.

She was joining the Queen for a tour of Queen Mary’s Doll’s House and the Royal Library in Windsor Castle.

Kemi Badenoch MP, Leader of the Conservative Party, said: “Keir Starmer is hoping promises of future tech deals will distract from his government in crisis. But beneath the flashy numbers there is a more fundamental problem: to be a tech and AI superpower, Britain requires cheap, abundant energy.

“Instead, Labour continue to push up energy bills in pursuit of Net zero. Only the Conservatives are serious about exploiting our resources in the North Sea to bring down bills for families and the businesses that generate economic growth.”

As Sir Keir and Mr Trump meet at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s estate in Buckinghamshire, they will sign a technology prosperity deal, touted as offering major investment by US tech firms in Britain, that will help to develop its AI capabilities.

The Prime Minister will present the US leader with a bespoke ministerial red box styled to take back to the White House, as well as showing him items from the Churchill archives.

The two men will also meet investors including bosses from GSK, Microsoft and Rolls-Royce while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also have face-to-face talks.

Questions have, however, begun to arise over what US companies may want in return, with suggestions a tax on digital services, which largely impacts on US companies, could be reduced or eliminated.

Talks between the two leaders will culminate in a news conference which could overshadow the carefully-planned pageantry designed to reinforce the special relationship.

With the UK set to recognise a Palestinian state within days, divisions over Israel’s actions in Gaza could be exposed.

The sacking of Lord Mandelson over his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein could also cast a shadow over the event, not least because Mr Trump was also close to the paedophile financier, although the president fell out with him before his conviction in 2009.

The extent of US support for Ukraine and the pressure Mr Trump could apply to Vladimir Putin could also feature.

And a promised deal to eliminate tariffs on imports to the US of UK steel has failed to materialise, although the 25% rate on British metal is half that of other countries.

The Prime Minister will hope to keep the focus of the visit on an influx of American investment into the UK.

Donald Trump is visiting the Prime Minister’s country retreat Chequers for talks with Sir Keir Starmer on the final day of his trip to the UK.

The US president’s unprecedented second state visit has been accompanied by the announcement of American investments in the UK worth £150 billion.

The US President said the British Empire brought ‘law, liberty and free speech’ to the world.

Four men who were arrested after images of Donald Trump with Jeffrey Epstein were projected on to Windsor Castle have been bailed, police said.

A 60-year-old man from East Sussex, a 36-year-old man from London, a 37-year-old man from Kent and a 50-year-old man from London were arrested on suspicion of malicious communications on Tuesday night after the stunt at the Berkshire royal residence, Thames Valley Police (TVP) said.

They were released on conditional bail on Wednesday night until December 12 while inquiries continue, according to the force.

“Those arrested are being investigated for a number of possible offences including malicious communications and public nuisance,” a spokesperson for TVP said.

The nine-minute film created by British political campaign group Led By Donkeys went over the history of the US president’s links to Epstein, including the recent release by US legislators of documents said to include a letter from Mr Trump to the paedophile financier to celebrate his 50th birthday.

The film was projected from a hotel room with a direct view over the castle as an act of “peaceful protest”, a spokesperson for the campaign group said on Wednesday.

“My colleagues were arrested for malicious communications, which seems ridiculous, because we’ve done 25 or 30 projections before, no-one’s ever been arrested,” the spokesperson told the PA news agency.

A senior member of the Scottish Cabinet has defended John Swinney’s attendance at a state banquet held to honour US President Donald Trump.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance insisted people would expect the First Minister to “be representing Scotland at an international level”.

Her comments came in the wake of a social media post from SNP MP Chris Law – which has now been deleted – which said those attending the banquet on Wednesday would be “conceding that it’s acceptable to support genocide in Gaza”.

Sir Keir Starmer will reportedly recognise a Palestinian state over the weekend after Donald Trump concludes his state visit to the UK.

The Prime Minister has previously said he plans to recognise Palestinian statehood ahead of the United Nations general assembly in New York this month, if Israel does not meet a series of conditions to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

High-level meetings at the UN summit involving world leaders begin next week.

Sir Keir has held off on formally announcing the UK will recognise a Palestinian state until after Mr Trump leaves for fear it could dominate a Thursday news conference the two men plan to hold, according to the Times.

The Prime Minister has found himself at odds with the US administration over the move, which is opposed to official recognition of Palestine.

Donald Trump was the guest of honour at a state banquet hosted by the King in Windsor Castle last night.

The US President paid a heartfelt tribute to America’s relationship with the UK, saying the word “special does not begin to do it justice”, and claimed the nations were “two notes in one chord”.

Among those at the lavish dinner were the chiefs of major American firms, including big names from the tech world Sam Altman of OpenAI, Tim Cook of Apple, and Jensen Huang, the founder of Nvidia.

After the pomp and ceremony it’s the turn of unadulterated red blooded politics to take centre stage.

Day two of Donald Trump’s state visit promises to be a very different affair to yesterday’s Union Jack regality.

The US President was given the full Rolls-Royce treatment by the Royal Family – a guard of honour, Red Arrows (powered by Rolls-Royce engines) flypast and a lavish state banquet inside Windsor Castle.

It was enough to satisfy the man with the biggest ego on the planet and enough to take the heat off Sir Keir Starmer, at least for one day.

The two leaders will hold a crunch meeting at Chequers, the Prime Minister’s country home, later today.

Before getting down to business they will dine on Dover Sole and Key lime pie, view the Churchill archives and be treated to a display from the British Army’s Red Devils.

With a press conference planned for mid-afternoon – and Trump’s penchant for going off script – Sir Keir must be hoping that his already precarious world doesn’t come tumbling down to earth like the famed parachute display team.

Sir Keir Starmer and President Trump will meet investors including bosses from GSK, Microsoft and Rolls-Royce at Chequers today.

And Chancellor Rachel Reeves will host a business reception in Downing Street for bosses at top US and UK financial firms, including BlackRock, Barclays and Blackstone in a bid to highlight transatlantic econonomic cooperation.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will have face-to-face talks at Chequers.