UK PM Keir Starmer to scrap Trump's state visit over Zelensky row? 'I'm not going to be diverted…'

Keir Starmer has rejected pleas from the SNP to cancel Donald Trump's historic second state visit following his and Zelensky heated exchange at the White House.

Updated on: Mar 2, 2025, 21:10:42 IST

By Shweta Kukreti

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UK Prime Keir Starmer has rejected pleas from the SNP to cancel Donald Trump's historic second state visit following his and Ukrainian President Zelensky heated exchange at the White House.

Keir Starmer (R) greets Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) as he arrives to attend a summit held at Lancaster House in central London on March 2, 2025. (Photo by Toby Melville / POOL / AFP) (AFP)

During the most-awaited meeting on Friday, Trump accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War Three”. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney called the heated discussion “deeply troubling”.

While King Charles promised Trump a state visit, Swinney told the BBC he did not see how that could happen unless he was “absolutely full-square with us” in defending Ukraine.

Starmer reacts amid SNP's call to boycott Trump

However, Starmer condemned those who were “trying to ramp up the rhetoric” following Trump-Zelensky clash.

The UK PM, who is scheduled to host a summit of European leaders that includes Zelensky, told BBC: “I've seen people ramping up the rhetoric and taking to Twitter and saying what they would do – good for them, I'm not that interested in that.”

He further mentioned that he wants to focus on the practical steps and see what can be done to maintain the relationships and lasting peace in Europe.

“I'm not going to be diverted by the SNP or others trying to ramp up the rhetoric without really appreciating what is the single most important thing at stake here – we're talking about peace in Europe,” Starmer said.

Starmer's comments come after his meeting with Zelensky and SNP's criticism.

Stephen Flynn, the leader of the SNP in Westminster, in a post on X asked Starmer to “better get back up off his knees and revoke that offer of a state visit”. Several SNP MPs Have questioned the UK PM over his relationship with Trump.

Also Read: Elon Musk blasts Zelensky as Ukraine President sees decline in trust rating after clash with Trump

Starmer vows support for Ukraine

Starmer reaffirmed the UK's support for Ukraine during his meeting with Zelensky, stating that “we stand with Ukraine for as long as it may take.”

During his trip to the US, Starmer gave Trump a letter from the King proposing a first meeting to discuss the details of a second state visit in Scotland, where Trump possesses two golf clubs.

Rather than being accorded state visits, the second term US Presidents are usually invited to tea or lunch with the monarch.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shweta Kukreti
Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

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