Donald Trump pressed on Scottish independence as he meets Keir Starmer for crunch talks at luxury Turnberry resort
DON TO BUSINESS Donald Trump pressed on Scottish independence as he meets Keir Starmer for crunch talks at luxury Turnberry resort
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DONALD Trump has been pressed on his views on Scottish independence after holding crunch trade talks with Sir Keir Starmer.
The Prime Minister and his wife, Victoria, were greeted by the US leader on the steps of the luxury golf resort in Ayrshire earlier today.
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Donald Trump greeted Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria
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Trump waves to the press as he tees off on Sunday for his second round at Turnberry
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The President is being protected by a huge security operation
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Sir Keir and Trump discussed the prospect of reviving ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas amid the humanitarian crisis engulfing Gaza.
The PM was also likely to discuss the future of tariffs on British steel.
Sir Keir and Mr Trump have built a rapport on the world stage, despite their differing political backgrounds.
The Republican leader previously praised the PM for doing a "very good job" so far in government.
And, when quizzed on Scottish independence, he said he didn't want to "get involved" in British domestic politics.
He's due to meet First Minister John Swinney later today - and added "I hear very good things about him, and I'm meeting him today, so maybe I'll have a better opinion."
After the meeting at Turnberry on the Ayrshire coast, Starmer and Trump will travel north to Trump's Menie course in Aberdeenshire for further discussions.
On Sunday, Trump teed off on his second round in Turnberry after landing on Air Force One on Friday night, accompanied by a massive security team.
Public protests at the course - surrounded by a ring of steel - were limited, while larger demonstrations were held in Aberdeen and Edinburgh on Saturday.
Mr Swinney has said he will use a planned meeting with Trump to urge the US President to apply pressure on Israel to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
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Speaking ahead of discussions, which are expected to take place in Aberdeenshire, Mr Swinney told BBC Breakfast: "President Trump obviously is very welcome in Scotland.
"He brings with him a huge amount of media attention to Scotland, and obviously there's been significant international events have been handled as a consequence of his visit here in Scotland, particularly the trade talks with the European Union.
"So what I want to pursue with President Trump is obviously the issues that are of concern to the people of Scotland."
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