Trump and Starmer to discuss Gaza's 'unspeakable suffering'

Ending the "unspeakable suffering" in Gaza will be on the agenda when the Prime Minister sits down with President Trump in Scotland on Monday. Sir Keir Starmer will discuss how to prevent starvation and finally free the hostages held in the war-torn territory.

His visit comes as pressure mounts on the PM to follow France's lead and recognise a Palestinian state. More than a third of MPs across nine parties have urged him to take this historic step. The two men will hold one-on-one talks across a wide range of issues, including on boosting trade links and the war in Ukraine. President Trump will return to the UK in September for his official state visit.

A source said: "The Prime Minister is also expected to welcome the President's administration working with partners in Qatar and Egypt to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza. He will discuss further with him what more can be done to secure the ceasefire urgently, bring an end to the unspeakable suffering and starvation in Gaza and free the hostages who have been held so cruelly for so long.

"They will also discuss securing peace in Ukraine with the Prime Minister and President set to talk about their shared desire to bring an end to the barbaric war."

Protesters have been kept out of sight at the Turnberry resort, which is lined with security fencing.

Police and military personnel scoured the grounds before the President teed off. Mr Trump golfed with his son, Eric, and an entourage including 15 golf buggies.

The "appalling" situation in Gaza was also a priority when the Prime Minister spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Saturday morning. They agreed to work closely on a peace plan.

A Downing Street spokesperson said: "The three leaders talked about the situation in Gaza, which they agreed is appalling, and emphasised the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire, for Israel to lift all restrictions on aid and urgently provide those suffering in Gaza with the food they so desperately need."

Sir Keir set out how the UK plans to work with partners including Jordan to "air drop aid and evacuate children requiring medical assistance".

The spokesperson said: "They all agreed it would be vital to ensure robust plans are in place to turn an urgently needed ceasefire into lasting peace. They discussed their intention to work closely together on a plan, building on their collaboration to date, which would pave the way to a long-term solution and security in the region."

The three leaders also agreed on Ukraine "there must be no let-up of pressure on Putin to come to the negotiating table".