U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce major agreements on technology and civil nuclear energy during a state visit to the United Kingdom this week, in what officials on both sides are describing as a pivotal moment for transatlantic ties.
Trump and First Lady Melania Trump will arrive in London on Wednesday to a full display of royal ceremony, including a carriage procession, military flypast, gun salute, and a state banquet hosted by the British royal family. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will welcome the U.S. leader for formal talks at Chequers on Thursday.
British officials say the visit will focus on deepening cooperation in defence, AI-driven technologies, and energy infrastructure. A joint announcement is expected on a “world-leading” tech partnership and multi-billion-pound investments in small modular nuclear reactors, designed to power high-energy data centres in the UK.
“This visit marks a step change in the UK–U.S. relationship,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.
The leaders are also expected to revisit unresolved trade issues, including tariff reductions on steel and aluminium. While both sides finalised a deal on car tariffs in June, discussions on metals have stalled.
Business Minister Peter Kyle said talks on steel are ongoing and an announcement is expected “as soon as possible.”
Ahead of the visit, the UK secured £1.25 billion ($1.69 billion) in U.S. investment commitments, including from PayPal and Bank of America. U.S. tech firms Nvidia, OpenAI, and CoreWeave are also expected to announce UK expansions.
The visit comes amid controversy surrounding Starmer’s dismissal of UK Ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson over undisclosed ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson’s abrupt sacking has raised questions about the timing, though officials say it will not affect coordination around the state visit.
Trump’s trip follows an earlier private visit to Scotland in July. It will be his second official state visit to the UK — a rarity for U.S. presidents — and marks a significant moment in efforts to redefine the UK’s global alliances post-Brexit.
Alongside policy announcements, both governments are expected to highlight cultural diplomacy initiatives, including expanded heritage partnerships and youth sports programmes focused on basketball.
Starmer’s office hopes the combination of ceremonial diplomacy, economic investment, and strategic alignment will strengthen Britain’s global position and reinforce its special relationship with Washington.
