Donald Trump stepped up his criticism of Vladimir Putin after Sir Keir Starmer and the King used his state visit to the UK to underline the importance of supporting Ukraine.

After a damaging two weeks which has led to questions about his leadership , the Prime Minister’s efforts to ensure the US President continued to side with Western allies on Ukraine marked something of a victory.

Splits between Starmer and Trump on issues from migration, net zero, Gaza and free speech were on display when the pair spoke to the media following talks at Chequers, the PM’s grace-and-favour country mansion. New Feature

In Short

Quick Stories. Same trusted journalism.

Private School Jobs – 18 September

But Downing Street viewed the trip as a success after Starmer and the King’s lobbying on Ukrain

See Full Page