Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Sunak set to visit Washington next week for talks with Biden

The relationship between the two countries has faced strains following Britain’s departure from the European Union in 2020

Sunak set to visit Washington next week for talks with Biden

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is scheduled to engage in discussions with U.S. President Joe Biden, next week, focusing on enhancing economic relations and exploring avenues to provide ongoing military assistance to Ukraine amidst its conflict with Russia.

During his visit to Washington on Wednesday and Thursday, Sunak will hold meetings with Biden, members of Congress, and prominent U.S. business leaders. However, Sunak's spokesman clarified on Tuesday (30) that formal negotiations for a free trade agreement will not be part of the agenda.


"The visit will be an opportunity to build on the discussions that the prime minister and President Biden have had in recent months about enhancing the level of cooperation and coordination between the UK and U.S. on the economic challenges that will define our future," the spokesman said.

"There will also be an opportunity to discuss issues including sustaining our support for Ukraine."

On his inaugural official visit to Washington since assuming the role of prime minister in October, Sunak aims to foster improved relations with the US.

The relationship between the two countries has faced strains following Britain's departure from the European Union in 2020.

In April, there were speculations and concerns about President Biden's stance toward Britain when he spent a significant portion of his time in the British province of Northern Ireland before proceeding to the Irish Republic for an extensive series of meetings.

However, a White House official dismissed any notion of Biden being "anti-British" at that time.

The prospect of negotiating a free-trade agreement with the UK has lost momentum under the Biden administration, despite it being previously hailed by proponents of Brexit as one of the significant advantages of leaving the European Union.

Under the previous administration of President Donald Trump, discussions regarding a potential trade deal had advanced. However, progress slowed following President Biden's assumption of office, ultimately leading to a pause in the talks.

On Tuesday, Sunak's spokesperson confirmed that the upcoming visit would focus on exploring alternative methods to reduce trade barriers, such as establishing agreements with individual U.S. states.

Additionally, the White House issued a statement indicating that the leaders would also address the situation in Northern Ireland, which has experienced a lack of devolved government for over a year.

The relationship between Britain and the US is founded on strong connections in defense, intelligence, economy, and culture. The two nations largely align in their support for Ukraine.

Sunak graciously accepted Biden's invitation to visit the White House, extended in March following an amicable meeting in San Diego to launch the AUKUS submarine alliance involving the United States, Britain, and Australia.

During their initial meeting, the two leaders seemed to establish a positive rapport, with Biden acknowledging Sunak's educational background as a graduate of Stanford University.

Additionally, Biden expressed interest in visiting Sunak's residence in Santa Monica, which he still owns.

(Reuters)

More For You

Trump

Trump said the suspect had been arrested earlier for 'terrible crimes,' including child sex abuse, grand theft auto and false imprisonment, but was released under the Biden administration because Cuba refused to take him back.

Getty Images

Trump says accused in Dallas motel beheading will face first-degree murder charge

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump has described Chandra Mouli “Bob” Nagamallaiah, the Indian-origin motel manager killed in Dallas, as a “well-respected person” and said the accused will face a first-degree murder charge.

Nagamallaiah, 50, was killed last week at the Downtown Suites motel by co-worker Yordanis Cobos-Martinez, a 37-year-old undocumented Cuban immigrant with a criminal history.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer Mandelson

Starmer talks with Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador's residence on February 26, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Getty

Starmer under pressure from party MPs after Mandelson dismissal

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer is facing questions within the Labour party after the sacking of US ambassador Peter Mandelson.

Mandelson was removed last week after Bloomberg published emails showing messages of support he sent following Jeffrey Epstein’s conviction for sex offences. The dismissal comes just ahead of US president Donald Trump’s state visit.

Keep ReadingShow less
Nepal’s new leader pledges to act on Gen Z calls to end corruption

Officials greet newly-elected Prime Minister of Nepal's interim government Sushila Karki (R) as she arrives at the prime minister's office in Kathmandu on September 14, 2025. (Photo by PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Nepal’s new leader pledges to act on Gen Z calls to end corruption

NEPAL’s new interim prime minister Sushila Karki on Sunday (14) pledged to act on protesters’ calls to end corruption and restore trust in government, as the country struggles with the aftermath of its worst political unrest in decades.

“We have to work according to the thinking of the Gen Z generation,” Karki said in her first address to the nation since taking office on Friday (12). “What this group is demanding is the end of corruption, good governance and economic equality. We will not stay here more than six months in any situation. We will complete our responsibilities and hand over to the next parliament and ministers.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Nearly 150,000 join anti-migrant protest in London as clashes erupt

Protesters wave Union Jack and St George's England flags during the "Unite The Kingdom" rally on Westminster Bridge by the Houses of Parliament on September 13, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Nearly 150,000 join anti-migrant protest in London as clashes erupt

MORE THAN 100,000 protesters marched through central London on Saturday (13), carrying flags of England and Britain and scuffling with police in one of the UK's biggest right-wing demonstrations of modern times.

London's Metropolitan Police said the "Unite the Kingdom" march, organised by anti-immigrant activist Tommy Robinson, was attended by nearly 150,000 people, who were kept apart from a "Stand Up to Racism" counter-protest attended by around 5,000.

Keep ReadingShow less
Piyush Goyal

Piyush Goyal recalled that in February, Narendra Modi and Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

Trade talks with US moving forward positively, says Indian minister Goyal

INDIA’s commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday said that negotiations on the proposed trade agreement between India and the United States, which began in March, are progressing in a positive atmosphere and both sides are satisfied with the discussions.

He recalled that in February, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and US president Donald Trump had instructed their trade ministers to conclude the first phase of the bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by November 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less