Trump tells UK PM to 'use troops' to stop boats as state visit ends

US President Donald Trump told UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that the United Kingdom could 'use troops to stop boats' to curb small-boat crossings, remarks that dominated coverage as Starmer concluded a state visit to Britain. The comment came as the two leaders spent the final moments of the trip at Chequers, the prime minister's country residence, with photographers present and questions swirling about how the exchange might shape future policy on migration and national security.

Trump's remark surfaced at the end of the visit during a private exchange at Chequers, and the moment quickly became a focal point of press coverage as the leaders posed for photos and discussed migration, energy and defense. British papers offered varied interpretations: some tabloids framed the moment as a blunt warning on security, while broadsheets offered a more cautious read about allies coordinating policy. The Guardian and The Times led with Trump’s advice to use the military to stop Channel crossings, underscoring enduring tension over how to handle migration. The i Paper, meanwhile, emphasized Downing Street’s position that the state visit had been a diplomatic success and a boost for Starmer.

Beyond the remarks, coverage highlighted a broader narrative: the visit touched on Gaza, energy and trade, with leaders signaling continued cooperation even as disagreements persisted on some fronts. The Times and other papers noted the contrast between a successful bilateral agenda and public questions about migration policy, while the Daily Mirror reflected the mood of relief after the visit. The week’s roll of front-page stories also included a report of the first deportation under a new 'one in, one out' deal with France and reports of arrests in Essex tied to suspected Russian proxies.

In a broader international frame, the coverage came as the Kremlin announced strikes on Ukrainian railways aimed at disrupting passenger and freight movement, a reminder of the wider security stakes facing Western nations during the week. The exchange at Chequers occurred as UK officials stressed that the state visit should bolster diplomacy and trade, even as policy debates continued at home about how to address migration and security concerns. Downing Street described the visit as a diplomatic success and a boost for Starmer, while opposition and media outlets weighed the symbolic and practical implications of the remarks and the broader agenda.

As for domestic politics, the public-facing narrative during and after the visit included questions about leadership dynamics within the Labour Party and the potential for leadership challenges, alongside reporting on how the government would maintain momentum on a trade deal and other collaborative initiatives with the United States. A sense of cautious optimism persisted among officials about continued cooperation with Washington on security and economic issues, despite disagreements on migration policy and energy strategy.

Looking ahead, officials in both capitals indicated there would be no immediate policy announcements tied to the remarks, with focus instead on sustaining the bilateral relationship and addressing immigration, defense and energy challenges through ongoing dialogue. The state visit’s end drew mixed headlines across outlets, but the overarching assessment from Downing Street framed the trip as a positive diplomatic milestone that could help shape cooperation in the months ahead. World events of the week underscored the volatility of security and migrants politics in Europe, reinforcing the need for coordinated responses that balance border control with humanitarian considerations.