As Prime Minister Keir Starmer gets ready to unveil a landmark deal with the EU, tensions are quietly brewing—not just at home, but across the Atlantic.
While the UK pushes for a fresh start with Brussels, some insiders are warning that the timing could put Britain on a collision course with Donald Trump.
Starmer is walking a diplomatic tightrope: on one side, he’s trying to secure a critical trade deal with the U.S. to shield the UK from harsh tariffs.
On the other, he’s gearing up for a May 19 summit where a bold new agreement with the European Union will be revealed—one that subtly challenges Trump’s worldview.
A Quiet Jab at Trump’s Agenda?
Although the leaked draft of the UK-EU deal doesn’t directly name the former U.S. President, it includes language that contrasts sharply with Trump’s stances.
The statement reportedly emphasizes “shared principles of maintaining global economic stability” and a joint commitment to “free and open trade.”
That’s a noticeable departure from Trump’s more protectionist approach. He’s long been critical of the EU, once claiming the bloc was built to “screw” the U.S., and openly cheered on Brexit.
The draft also contains a firm nod to multilateralism and references sticking to the Paris Agreement’s 1.5C climate target—another area where Trump has historically clashed with European leaders.
Standing Firm on Ukraine
One of the more pointed sections of the draft reaffirms UK and EU support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, stating clearly that Crimea remains part of Ukraine.
That’s particularly significant given that some in Trump’s orbit have floated the idea of recognizing Crimea as Russian territory.
Again, while Trump isn’t mentioned by name, the messaging seems aimed at distinguishing Britain’s and the EU’s values from the isolationist tone often associated with the former President.
The Clock Is Ticking on U.S. Trade Talks
Back in London, there’s a sense of urgency. Starmer’s allies are pushing to nail down a trade arrangement with Washington before the May 19 EU summit.
Their fear? That the new EU deal, once announced, could antagonize Trump or make a U.S. agreement even harder to secure.
So far, efforts to win an exemption from a standard 10% U.S. tariff on imports have come up short.
But British negotiators are still battling to soften the blow of steeper 25% tariffs on key industries like cars and steel.
There’s also a looming concern about proposed restrictions on UK pharmaceutical exports.
No Need to Pick Sides, Says No. 10
Downing Street insists it’s not a matter of choosing between Europe and America.
A government spokesperson stressed that the UK “rejects the premise” that it must side with one over the other.
Starmer himself has echoed that sentiment repeatedly, arguing that national interest demands strong partnerships with both allies.
EU Deal May Come with Controversial Compromises
The upcoming deal with the EU is said to be quite ambitious—perhaps even bold enough to cause friction within Starmer’s own Cabinet.
There’s talk of the UK agreeing to align more closely with EU regulations and possibly making concessions on fishing rights.
One of the more eye-catching elements under consideration is a proposed youth mobility agreement.
If approved, it would allow young people to move, work, and travel freely between the UK and EU countries again—reminiscent of the pre-Brexit days of freedom of movement.
Economic Concerns Loom Large
While these diplomatic maneuvers play out, economists are sounding the alarm.
Trump’s protectionist trade policies, should he return to office, could trigger a global economic slowdown—potentially derailing Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ efforts to kickstart growth in the UK.
With so many moving parts, Starmer is gambling on his ability to navigate international politics without alienating either side.
The coming weeks will reveal whether he can strike that delicate balance—or whether the UK will end up caught in the crossfire of two global powers.