President Donald Trump has declared that the United States and the United Kingdom will “dominate the future of artificial intelligence” as he joined Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers to announce a major technology and investment agreement.
The two leaders unveiled what they described as a “technology prosperity deal”, under which leading US technology firms are expected to increase investment in Britain’s artificial intelligence sector.
Sir Keir said the package, worth £250 billion, represented the largest of its kind in British history, calling it “life-changing” for communities across the country.
“The test of the special relationship is how much it delivers for honest, hard-working people to make them safer and better off,” the Prime Minister said. “We have already taken a big step forward and we’re going much further… it is a blueprint to win this new era together.”
Mr Trump underlined the importance of energy in driving the AI revolution, remarking: “You need the energy, you have to have the energy. That’s one thing I learned very quickly. They need a lot of electricity.” He insisted the US was “leading China and the world by a lot” in the race to develop advanced AI.
The visit marked Mr Trump’s second official state visit to Britain, the first time a US president has been accorded such an honour. Addressing business leaders alongside the Prime Minister, he spoke of the “unbreakable bond” between the two nations.
“Melania and I are forever thankful to His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla,” he said, reflecting on the ceremonial welcome. “Today, we’re making those ties closer than ever before… the ties between our countries are priceless, and it’s really an inheritance, a beautiful inheritance.”
Keir Starmer, for his part, described Mr Trump as “my friend, our friend”, calling the occasion “a great day for the special relationship”.
Their joint appearance at Chequers also showcased their alignment before business leaders, who announced a record-breaking package of transatlantic investments. Downing Street said the inflows would strengthen Britain’s AI capabilities whilst expanding opportunities for US firms.
Observers have noted the unlikely rapport between Starmer a former human rights lawyer, and Mr Trump, the populist former property developer. Their cooperation marks a sharp turnaround from last year, when relations between the Trump campaign and Labour figures were strained.
Speaking about the new technology prosperity deal, the U.S President said: “With this agreement, our cherished friendship with the United Kingdom is getting stronger and stronger… This deal has been “long in the making”.
