The Prime Minister will travel to Scotland today to meet the President for talks on his golf course in Turnberry
The leaders are expected to discuss progress on implementing the UK-US trade deal, hopes for a ceasefire in the Middle East and applying pressure on Putin to end the war in Ukraine
The leaders will travel on together for a further private engagement in Aberdeen
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will meet US President Donald Trump in Scotland today for wide-ranging talks.
The Prime Minister will travel to the President’s golf course in Turnberry, ahead of Trump’s landmark second State Visit to the UK in September.
Over the course of the visit, the leaders are expected to talk one-to-one about advancing implementation of the landmark Economic Prosperity Deal so that Brits and Americans can benefit from boosted trade links between their two countries.
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.
Securing peace in Ukraine will also be high on the agenda, with the Prime Minister and President set to talk about their shared desire to bring an end to the barbaric war. It is expected they will reflect on progress in their 50-day drive to arm Ukraine and force Putin to the negotiating table.
It’s quite possible that President Trump may change that agenda, of course.
After their meeting they will travel on together to a private engagement in Aberdeen.
The UK and the US have ‘one of the closest, most productive alliances the world has ever seen’, working together to cooperate on defence, intelligence, technology and trade.
The UK was the first country to agree a deal with the US that lowered tariffs on key sectors and has received one of the lowest reciprocal tariff rates in the world.
Businesses in the aerospace and autos sectors are already benefitting from the ‘strong relationship the UK has with the US’ and the deal agreed on 8 May.
The Government says it is ‘working at pace with the US to go further to deliver benefits to working people on both sides of the Atlantic and to give UK industry the security it needs, protect vital jobs, and put more money in people’s pockets through the Plan for Change’.
The Foreign Secretary has issued a statement following yesterday’s announcement of a temporary humanitarian pause by the IDF in Gaza:
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, said :“The humanitarian suffering in Gaza has 2reached new depths.
“The Prime Minister has already announced plans to work with Jordan to get aid into Gaza and to evacuate children who need critical medical assistance to the UK for treatment.
“Today’s announcement of a temporary pause by the IDF to allow humanitarian corridors to open and aid drops to resume is essential but long overdue. Access to aid must therefore be urgently accelerated over the coming hours and days.
“This announcement alone cannot alleviate the needs of those desperately suffering in Gaza. We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered.
“Whilst airdrops will help to alleviate the worst of the suffering, land routes serve as the only viable and sustainable means of providing aid into Gaza.
“These measures must be fully implemented and further barriers on aid removed. The world is watching.
“The UK supports the efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the US as mediators and urges all parties to resume talks on a pathway for lasting peace and security.”
But in the meantime, the UK continues to arm Israel …WHY ???
Palestinian civilians are being killed as they seek food, water, and shelter at Israeli-controlled aid distribution points.
I have been horrified by Israel’s continued assault on Gaza and the mounting death toll of innocent civilians.
Now respected international agencies are warning that Israel’s blockade of aid is causing mass starvation. And the violence shows no sign of abating.
Trade unions have always stood in solidarity with people under occupation, and for peace built on human rights, equality, and international law.
It is our duty as trade unionists to call out the horrors that are happening right in front of our eyes.
Please write to your MP and ask they use their voice to recognise the state of Palestine, deliver a ceasefire, end the illegal occupation and support the journey towards peace and justice.
More than 21 months of strikes on Gaza and its people has caused untold devastation, bloodshed and suffering.
In April I visited the occupied West Bank and witnessed first-hand the human and labour rights abuses being experienced by Palestinian workers on a daily basis.
The TUC has called on the UK Government to use every diplomatic, political and economic tool available to help deliver an immediate and permanent ceasefire, end the illegal occupation and start a meaningful political peace process that respects the right to self-determination.
While we welcome this month’s joint statement from foreign ministers – urging an end to the assault and for urgent aid access – statements alone are not enough.
Words must be matched with action. And there’s no time to wait.
That’s why we are calling on the Government to take immediate action to:
Recognise the state of Palestine now
Suspend the UK-Israel trade deal
Ban imports from the illegal settlement
End all licenses for arms traded with Israel, in line with international law
Sanctions on individuals promoting and committing war crimes
Recognising the state of Palestine is not a symbolic gesture. It is a necessary and practical step towards a viable two-state solution that delivers equal rights and democracy– this is the only credible path to a just and lasting peace, ending decades of occupation, violence, and displacement.
On Monday, the UN will hold a conference in New York on the two-state solution.
This is an opportunity for our Government to agree to clear and immediate action on Palestine.
Whilst these discussions take place overseas, we must use our voices as trade unionists to call on our Government to act.
Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council open debate on the Middle East Peace Process:
‘My Foreign Secretary has been unequivocal: the war in Gaza must end now. Hamas and Israel must both commit to a ceasefire now.
‘A ceasefire is within reach and we urge all sides to make it a reality, to secure the release of the hostages, who have been cruelly held by Hamas since 7 October, and to end the appalling suffering of Palestinian civilians.
‘I will make three points.
‘First, the Israeli aid system is inhumane, ineffective, dangerous and fuelling instability. Reports and images this week of children dying from starvation are beyond horrific.
‘The IDF is shooting at desperate Palestinian civilians on an almost daily basis. Hamas is exploiting this disorder.
‘We call on Israel to end these attacks, hold those responsible to account and to work with the UN to implement effective aid distribution in line with humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law.
‘And let me reaffirm the UK’s firm and unequivocal support for the UN and OCHA in their brave efforts to get aid into Gaza.
‘We also condemn recent strikes on the WHO in Deir al Balah. Humanitarians and civilians must be protected.
‘Second, we condemn Defence Minister Katz’s proposals of forced displacement to Rafah.
‘Illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank continues at pace as well as settler violence, and even terrorism, against Palestinians. This is an accelerating campaign to prevent a Palestinian state.
‘We condemn these attacks and call for Israel to hold its citizens to account.
‘We also oppose the reintroduction of the E1 settlement plan, which is a flagrant breach of international law.
‘Third, we are clear that Hamas must play no future role in the governance of Gaza or be able to threaten Israel’s security again.
‘However, the organisation which represents a credible alternative to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, is being undermined by Israeli actions.
‘Israel is withholding $2.6 billion in clearance revenues, crippling the Palestinian economy and pushing essential health and education services to the brink. This is not conducive to Israel’s security.
‘President, the United Kingdom is resolute in our commitment to a two-state solution and my Foreign Secretary has been clear that we are prepared to take further action to prevent the forcible erosion of the only viable path to lasting peace.
‘Next week’s conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, is a vital opportunity to demonstrate the strength of international resolve to secure a better future for Israelis, Palestinians and the region.’
MORE FINE WORDS, BUT CONDEMNATION ALONE WILL NOT SAVE A SINGLE LIFE. OUR GOVERNMENT KNOWS FULL WELL THAT ACTION IS LONG OVERDUE – AND THE UK CONTINUES TO SUPPORT AND PROVIDE ARMS TO ISRAEL.
WE ARE COMPLICIT IN ISRAEL’s WAR CRIMES.
HOW MANY MORE CIVILIANS WILL BE SLAUGHTERED OR DIE THROUGH STARVATION BEFORE NEXT WEEK’S ‘VITAL’ CONFERENCE – Ed.?
Three men have been arrested in Edinburgh under the Terrorism Act 2000 for showing support for a proscribed organisation.
Around 1.30pm, a 58-year-old man was arrested by officers in the vicinity of the Scottish Parliament for displaying a sign showing support for a proscribed organisation.
Earlier, two men aged 78 and 60 years, were arrested for showing support for a proscribed organisation at a protest in Edinburgh on Saturday, 19 July 2025.
Reports will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
TWO WEEKS? HE COULDN’T WAIT TWO DAYS TO ATTACK IRAN
The United States of America has bombed three nuclear sites in Iran.
The overnight attack by ‘our great American Warriors’ has been welcomed by Israel, who initiated the latest conflict with Iran last week.
US President Trump, without a trace of irony, is now calling for peace!
Also calling for peace, but perhaps with more sincerity, is the United Nations – which has once again been found to be impotent when faced with international agression by major military powers.
United Nations general secretary António Guterres said in a statement: “I am gravely alarmed by the use of force by the United States against Iran today. This is a dangerous escalation in a region already on the edge – and a direct threat to international peace and security.
“There is a growing risk that this conflict could rapidly get out of control – with catastrophic consequences for civilians, the region, and the world.
“I call on Member States to de-escalate and to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law.
“At this perilous hour, it is critical to avoid a spiral of chaos.
“There is no military solution. The only path forward is diplomacy. The only hope is peace.”
Some US politicians have also expressed concern that Congress was not consulted over the agression.
Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib said on Twitter: “President Trump sending U.S. troops to bomb Iran without the consent of Congress is a blatant violation of our Constitution.“
World leaders, including Great Britain, with our so-called ‘special relationship’, will doubtless call for restraint and urge negotiations this morning, but let’s be honest: Trump, and by association Netanyahu, will do exactly what he wants. And who can stop him?
Predictably, the UK did not condemn the actions of the US.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued this short statement: “Iran’s nuclear programme is a grave threat to international security. Iran can never be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and the US has taken action to alleviate that threat.
“The situation in the Middle East remains volatile and stability in the region is a priority. We call on Iran to return to the negotiating table and reach a diplomatic solution to end this crisis.”
UK sanctions individuals, illegal settler outposts and organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, as Foreign Secretary pauses free trade agreement negotiations with Israel.
new sanctions target 3 individuals, 2 illegal settler outposts and 2 organisations supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank
today’s measures include financial restrictions and travel bans, including on high-profile extremist settler leader Daniella Weiss
in a statement to the House, the Foreign Secretary is set to announce a formal pause of free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, effective immediately
he will make clear the UK’s complete opposition to the IDF’s new, extensive ground operation through Gaza, repeat UK demands that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally, and reiterate that Hamas cannot continue to run Gaza
In response to the persistent cycle of serious violence undertaken by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, the Foreign Secretary has announced new sanctions today.
Today’s measures target 3 individuals, including prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss, as well as 2 illegal outposts and 2 organisations that have supported, incited and promoted violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
These individuals and entities are now subject to measures including financial restrictions, travel bans, and director disqualifications, and will follow 18 other individuals, entities, and companies already sanctioned relating to serious violence against communities in the West Bank.
The measures follow a dramatic surge in settler violence in the West Bank, with the UN recording over 1,800 attacks by settlers against Palestinian communities since 1 January 2024.
In a statement to Parliament, the Foreign Secretary is also set to announce the formal pause of free trade agreement negotiations with Israel, effective immediately. While the UK government remains committed to the existing trade agreement in force, it is not possible to advance discussions on a new, upgraded FTA with a Netanyahu government that is pursuing egregious policies in the West Bank and Gaza.
His statement will address latest developments on the ground in Gaza, making clear the UK’s complete opposition to the IDF’s new, extensive ground operation through Gaza, the threat of starvation for the Gazan population, and the UK’s condemnation of the Israeli government’s plans to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip. The Foreign Secretary will also repeat UK demands that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally and reiterate that Hamas cannot continue to run Gaza.
The new steps follow a joint statement issued by the Prime Minister along with the leaders of France and Canada, setting out their strong opposition to the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and to illegal settlements in the West Bank. They also made clear that if Israel does not cease this action, further action will be taken in response.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: “I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence. The fear of its victims. The impunity of its perpetrators.
“The sanctioning of Daniella Weiss and others today demonstrates our determination to hold extremist settlers to account as Palestinian communities suffer violence and intimidation at the hands of extremist settlers.
“The Israeli government has a responsibility to intervene and halt these aggressive actions. Their consistent failure to act is putting Palestinian communities and the two-state solution in peril.”
The announcement comes as Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer summons Israel’s Ambassador Tzipi Hotovely to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office over the expansion of military operations in Gaza.
Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said: “Today I will set out to Ambassador Hotovely the government’s opposition to the wholly disproportionate escalation of military activity in Gaza and emphasise that the 11-week block on aid to Gaza has been cruel and indefensible.
“I will urge Israel to halt settlement expansion and settler violence in the West Bank.
“Israel must abide by its obligations under International Humanitarian Law and ensure full, rapid, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to the population in Gaza. The limited amount of aid entering is simply not enough.
“We must get an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages and a path to a two-state solution is the only way to ensure the long-term peace and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.”
Individuals and entities sanctioned today:
Daniella Weiss – has been involved in threatening, perpetrating, promoting and supporting, acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Weiss is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification
Harel Libi – owner of Libi Construction and Infrastructure. Libi has been involved in threatening and perpetuating acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Libi is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification
Zohar Sabah – has been involved in threatening, perpetrating, promoting and supporting, acts of aggression and violence against Palestinian individuals. Sabah is now subject to an asset freeze, travel ban, and director disqualification
Coco’s Farm – is associated with a person who is or has been involved in activity which amounts to facilitating, inciting, promoting or providing support for activity which amounts to a serious abuse of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Coco’s Farm is now subject to an asset freeze
Libi Construction and Infrastructure – has provided logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts resulting in the forced displacement of Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, activities which cause the psychological suffering of Palestinians, and activities which often leads to violence perpetrated against Palestinians. Libi Construction and Infrastructure is now subject to an asset freeze and director disqualification
Nachala – has been involved in facilitating, inciting, promoting and providing logistical and financial support for the establishment of illegal outposts and forced displacement of Palestinians in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, activities which cause the psychological suffering of Palestinians, and which often lead to violence perpetrated against Palestinians. Nachala is now subject to an asset freeze
Neria’s Farm – is associated with a person who is or has been involved in activity which amounts to facilitating, inciting, promoting or providing support for activity which amounts to a serious abuse of the right of individuals not to be subjected to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Neria’s Farm is now subject to an asset freeze
Definitions
asset freeze: where an asset freeze applies, in summary, it is generally prohibited within the UK, and for UK persons outside the UK, to:
Deal with funds or economic resources, owned, held or controlled by a designated person
Make funds or economic resources available, directly or indirectly, to, or for the benefit of, a designated person
Engage in actions that, directly or indirectly, circumvent the financial sanctions prohibitions
director disqualification sanctions: Where director disqualification sanctions apply, it will be an offence for a person designated for the purpose of those sanctions to act as a director of a company or to take part in the management, formation or promotion of a UK company
travel ban: an individual subject to a travel ban will be an excluded person under section 8B of the Immigration Act 1971, meaning that they must be refused leave to enter or to remain in the United Kingdom
Joint statement on behalf of 26 humanitarian partners on aid to Gaza and the proposal for a new aid delivery model
Joint statement:
“Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months. Food, medicines and essential supplies are exhausted. The population faces starvation. Gaza’s people must receive the aid they desperately need.
“Prior to the aid block, the UN and humanitarian NGOs delivered aid into Gaza, working with great courage, at the risk of their lives and in the face of major access challenges imposed by Israel. These organisations subscribe to upholding humanitarian principles, operating independently, with neutrality, impartiality and humanity. They have the logistical capacity, expertise and operational coverage to deliver assistance across Gaza to those who need it most.
“Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a new model for delivering aid into Gaza, which the UN and our humanitarian partners cannot support. They are clear that they will not participate in any arrangement that does not fully respect the humanitarian principles. Humanitarian principles matter for every conflict around the world and should be applied consistently in every warzone.
“The UN has raised concerns that the proposed model cannot deliver aid effectively, at the speed and scale required. It places beneficiaries and aid workers at risk, undermines the role and independence of the UN and our trusted partners, and links humanitarian aid to political and military objectives. Humanitarian aid should never be politicised, and Palestinian territory must not be reduced nor subjected to any demographic change.
“As humanitarian donors, we have two straightforward messages for the Government of Israel: allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity.
“We remain committed to meeting the acute needs we see in Gaza. We also reiterate our firm message that Hamas must immediately release all remaining hostages and allow humanitarian assistance to be distributed without interference.
“It is our firm conviction that an immediate return to a ceasefire and working towards the implementation of a two-state solution are the only way to bring peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians and ensure long-term stability for the whole region.”
This statement has been signed by:
The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, the EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management and the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean.
Yesterday (6th May 2025), Edinburgh North and Leith Labour MP Tracy Gilbert, urged the UK government to officially recognise the state of Palestine, warning that any further delay could result in the loss of a viable Palestinian state, that includes Gaza.
The call followed announcements from the Israeli Security Cabinet over the weekend to expand and intensify Israel’s military operation across the entire Gaza Strip, potentially leading to a full military occupation.
In a statement made in the House of Commons by the Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer MP, Gilbert said, “Now I fear that if we do not recognise a Palestinian state, there will be no Palestinian state that includes Gaza left to be recognised.”
Ms Gilbert’s position has been reinforced by her visits to Israel and Occupied Palestine, which have deepened her belief in the urgency of recognition as part of the process to secure a ceasefire and lasting peace through a two-state solution.
Palestine Red Crescent Society teams and volunteers provide first aid services and psychological first aid to families returning on foot to northern Gaza. PRCS volunteers are also distributing water and leaflets to raise awareness about unexploded objects.
Following the statement, Tracy Gilbert MP said, “I know that the actions of the Israeli government in this conflict have alarmed my constituents.
“I have seen first-hand the state of ruin that large parts of Gaza are now left in. And after two months of blockading vital aid, essential supplies of food and medicine are low, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
“Recognising the state of Palestine is an essential step in helping to bring about the conditions for a ceasefire and long-term security through a two-state solution. I will continue to urge the UK government to recognise Palestine immediately and to place further pressure on the Israeli government to bring them to the negotiating table.”
Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, unity, and hope as we raise vital funds for communities affected by conflict.
16 May 2025, 7:30pm
Inverleith St Serf’s Church, 280 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh EH5 3NP
Suggested Donations: £15 (at the door)
Featuring breathtaking performances from Songbirds, Lothian Gaelic Choir, The Newhaven Community Choir, and The Ukrainian Choir, this event—organized by the Rotary Club of Leith—is a call for peace through the power of song.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact. Share, invite, and stand in solidarity through music!
16 May 2025, 7:30pm
Inverleith St Serf’s Church, 280 Ferry Rd, Edinburgh EH5 3NP
Suggested Donations: £15 (at the door)