Starmer and Trump to discuss foreign affairs, investment after pomp-filled royal welcome

LONDON, Sept 18 (Reuters) – Donald Trump meets British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday for talks designed to focus the U.S. leader’s unprecedented second state visit firmly on global affairs rather than domestic political problems.
After a day of pomp and ceremony in which Trump rode in a carriage with King Charles and feasted at a state banquet, the U.S. president and Starmer will celebrate the unveiling of a 150 billion pound ($205 billion) package of U.S. investment into Britain.
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The deals, covering areas such as technology, energy and life sciences, will offer a renewal of the so-called ‘special relationship’ between the two nations, something Starmer has worked hard to cultivate since Trump became leader in January.
MEETING IS NOT WITHOUT PERILS
But the meeting is not without perils. Later on Thursday, the two leaders will hold a press conference, when journalists could quiz both over the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Starmer was forced to sack Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the U.S. last week after his close ties with Epstein were documented and Trump’s relationship with the late financier has also come under scrutiny.