Donald Trump suggested Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer could use the military to stop illegal migration at a news conference marking the end of the US president's second state visit to the UK.
Trump said he discussed migration issues with Sir Keir during a meeting at his country residence Chequers.
The US president talked about his policies to secure borders in the US and said the UK faced a similar challenge with migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats.
You have people coming in and I told the prime minister I would stop it, and it doesn't matter if you call out the military, it doesn't matter what means you use, Trump stated.
As Trump returned to the White House, he emphasized the urgency of addressing illegal migration, stating, It destroys countries from within, while highlighting his administration's increase in deportations. The duo reinforced the special relationship between the UK and the US, unveiling a tech cooperation deal aimed at advancing AI and other emerging technologies.
Significantly, while Trump and Starmer presented a united stance on illegal migration, they diverged on the topic of Palestinian statehood, with Starmer planning to recognize it ahead of the upcoming UN General Assembly. Trump voiced his opposition, citing concerns over Hamas's actions.
Throughout the press conference, both leaders maintained a diplomatic tone, underscoring the need for cooperation in tackling shared challenges such as migration while navigating their differing agendas on geopolitical issues.
