Chinese Premier Li Qiang, seen here at the U.N. General Assembly in September, will travel to North Korea this week to attend events commemorating the founding anniversary of the North’s ruling party, both countries said Tuesday. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI | License Photo
SEOUL, Oct. 7 (UPI) — Chinese Premier Li Qiang will visit North Korea this week to participate in events commemorating the founding of the North’s ruling political party, both countries said Tuesday.
Li will “lead a party and government delegation to the DPRK to attend the 80th anniversary celebrations of the Workers’ Party of Korea and pay an official goodwill visit” from Thursday to Saturday, China’s Foreign Ministry announced.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is the official name of North Korea.
“China and North Korea are traditionally friendly neighbors,” a ministry spokesperson said about the trip. “Maintaining, consolidating and developing China-North Korea relations has always been the unwavering strategic policy of the Chinese [Communist] Party and government.
North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency also reported on the visit, which marks the highest-level appearance by a Chinese leader since President Xi Jinping‘s trip to Pyongyang in 2019.
The relationship between the two longtime allies has shown signs of warming after widespread speculation of a rift over Pyongyang’s growing military alignment with Moscow.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un traveled to Beijing last month to attend a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, where he held his first summit with Xi in six years.
More recently, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui met with Li Qiang and her counterpart Wang Yion a trip to Beijing last week.
Other high-ranking delegates slated to visit North Korea for the anniversary celebrations include Russia’s second-in-command, former President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam.
Lam’s visit will be the first by Vietnam’s top leader since 2007.
According to an analysis of satellite imagery by Seoul-based SI Analytics, North Korea is preparing to hold its largest-ever military parade to mark the occasion. At least 14,000 personnel are expected to participate, and new weapons, such as the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile, are likely to be unveiled.
About two months ago, my cousin Guillermo happily ventured from picturesque Cuernavaca, Mexico, to 95-degree Southern California.
He took his wife and two young kids to Disneyland, Universal Studios, the zoo, the beach and a Dodger game over a week span and then gleefully returned home. He spent about $6,000 for what he hoped was a lifetime of stories and memories.
His actions were pretty normal for a tourist though his timing was not.
Tourism to Los Angeles and California, in general, has been down this summer, representing a blow to one of the state’s biggest industries.
Theories as to why people aren’t visiting were explored this past week by my colleague Cerys Davis.
International tourist arrivals to the state fell by 8% in the three months through August, according to data released Monday from Visit California. That is more than 170,000 fewer global tourists than last year. This is critical because international tourists spend up to eight times more per visit than domestic tourists.
Of all the state’s international travelers, arrivals from Canada fell the most (32%) in the three summer months.
Empty landmarks
On Hollywood Boulevard, there are fewer tourists, and the ones who show up are spending less, said Salim Osman, who works for Ride Like A Star, an exotic car company that rents to visitors looking to take a luxury vehicle for a spin and snap the quintessential L.A. selfie.
This summer, he said foot traffic dropped by nearly 50%.
“It used to be shoulder to shoulder out here,” he said, looking along the boulevard, normally teeming with tourists.
Business has been slow around the TCL Chinese Theatre, where visitors place their hands into the concrete hand prints of celebrities like Kristen Stewart and Denzel Washington.
There were fewer people to hop onto sightseeing buses, check out Madame Tussauds wax museum and snap impromptu photos with patrolling characters such as Spider-Man and Mickey Mouse. Souvenir shop operators nearby say they have also had to increase the prices of many of their memorabilia because of tariffs and a decline in sales.
Many of the state’s most prominent attractions are also experiencing dry spells. Yosemite National Park reported a decrease of up to 50% in bookings ahead of Memorial Day weekend.
Theories as to what’s keeping tourists away
The region’s economy and image suffered significant setbacks this year.
Shocking images of the destructive Eaton and Palisades fires in January, followed by the immigration crackdown in June, made global news and repelled visitors like friends of Australian tourists Geoffrey and Tennille Mutton, who didn’t accompany the couple to California this summer.
“A lot of people have had a changed view of America,” Geoffrey said as his family enjoyed Ben & Jerry’s ice cream outside of Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. “They don’t want to come here and support this place.”
Meanwhile, President Trump’s tariff policies and other geopolitical posturing have convinced many international tourists to avoid America, particularly Canadians, said Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte.
“We’ve hurt our Canadian friends with actions that the administration has taken. It’s understandable,” he said. “We don’t know how long they won’t want to travel to the states, but we’re hopeful that it is short-term.”
President Trump’s talk of making Canada the 51st state and his decision to hit Canada with tariffs have not endeared him to Canadian travelers. Meanwhile, media overseas have been bombarded with stories of capricious denials and detentions at U.S. border crossings.
Visitors from China, India, Germany and Australia also avoided the state, according to the latest data. That has resulted in a dip in traffic at most Los Angeles area airports. Cynthia Guidry, director of Long Beach Airport, said reduced airline schedules, economic pressures and rising costs also hurt airport traffic.
Viva Mexico (tourists)!
Despite the southern border lockdown and the widespread immigration raids, Mexicans were a surprising exception to the tourism slump. Arrivals from our southern neighbor were up about 5% over the last three months from 2024.
I asked my cousin, Guillermo, about his travel motivations.
He noted his desire to see family but also to visit many of Southern California’s jewels. He added that planning for this trip started a year earlier too.
Asked if he’d reconsider visiting California in the future, he delivered a timeless response.
Have a great weekend, from the Essential California team
Jim Rainey, staff writer Kevinisha Walker, multiplatform editor Andrew J. Campa, reporter Hugo Martín, assistant editor Karim Doumar, head of newsletters Diamy Wang, homepage intern Izzy Nunes, audience intern
A town in the south-west of England has been labelled as one of the “most beautiful autumn towns” in the UK, with people saying it’s a “beautiful place with tons of character”
St Ives in Cornwall is known for its array of beautiful beaches(Image: Getty)
St Ives, a popular surfing destination in Cornwall with its stunning beaches and vibrant art scene, has been lauded as an exceptional holiday spot throughout the year, not just during the summer months.
In fact, Premier Inn has dubbed St Ives one of the “most beautiful autumn towns”, saying that the cooler seasons are the “perfect time to experience the beaches without the crowds”.
This historic town in the southwest is famed for its beaches which draw tourists and surfers from all corners of the globe.
Its sandy stretches include Harbour Beach, Porthmeor, Porthminster, Porthgwidden, Carbis Bay, Bamaluz, Lambeth Walk, and Porthkidney.
Three of these – Porthminster, Porthmeor and Carbis Bay – have been honoured with Blue Flag status this year, a prestigious international recognition of excellent coastal water quality and environmental stewardship, reports the Express.
Both Carbis Bay and Harbour Beach scooped TripAdvisor Travellers Choice 2025 awards. One chuffed visitor described Harbour Beach as “a beautiful part of Cornwall with tons of character”, while another said: “I have never seen such a beautiful place in the U.K as St Ives beach. Many have said it’s like being abroad and it really is!”.
Meanwhile, Carbis Bay has been described as “absolutely beautiful” and “well worth the walk down the hillside to reach it”.
A second visitor posted: “Paddleboarding at Carbis Bay Beach in St Ives is a truly delightful experience. The beach itself is a picturesque haven, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters that provide the perfect backdrop for a day of adventure.”
For those who enjoy staying active, there are water activities available such as surfing and paddleboarding, alongside other pursuits like tennis and golf.
The locale also boasts a celebrated artistic heritage, featuring numerous galleries and attractions to discover including the Tate, St Ives Arts Club and Leach Pottery.
Among the most beloved destinations is the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Sculpture Garden.
The venue has been described as “one of the best art places in the world” by one enthusiastic tourist.
They added: “The garden with the sculptures is amazing and then seeing her workshop … just wow.”
Another said: “Always visit here when we are at St Ives. Stunning garden and sculpture. Terrific atmosphere. A very informative display as you enter and a small amount of gifts can be purchased too.”
St Ives has been crowned the top family holiday destination by Coast magazine, and was also recognised as the UK’s most joyful location for holidaymakers, according to research by holidaycottages.co.uk..
Ladram Bay, which is part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and sits on the Jurassic Coast, is made up of dramatic red rocks. Sadly, not everyone can visit
Ladram Bay is known for its dramatic red rock formations (Image: Getty Images)
A secluded cove with dramatic red rocks sits in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty — but not everyone can visit.
Unlike in Mediterranean countries such as Italy, where the vast majority of beaches are privately run and dominated by expensive-to-hire sunloungers, most of the UK coast is open to the public and completely free.
There are, however, a few exceptions — one of which is Ladram Bay, which is part of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The South West Coast Path runs directly through the resort, along the Jurassic Coast.
Like the rest of the coastline — known for its dramatic rock formations and fossil-rich terrain — Ladram Bay is a striking spot. The beach itself is guarded at each end by massive red sandstone stacks, offering protection from the sea.
The red cliffs are formed of Otter Sandstone and Mudstone, dating back to the Triassic period, around 230 million years ago. They are part of the 95-mile-long stretch of Jurassic coastline running across Dorset and East Devon.
It’s a popular fishing spot too, either from the shore or from one of the hire boats. At the far end of the beach, there are teeming rock pools to investigate. As charming as this all sounds, a visit to the bay may not be as easy as you’d expect.
The beach is owned by Ladram Bay Holiday Park, and everyone who isn’t staying at the venue is banned from accessing its pebbles. How the beach came to be in the park’s hands is explained on Ladram’s website:
“Back in the 1940s, our park was tenanted farmland that was worked by Frank William Sydenham Carter, or FWS for short. During the summer, he would occasionally let campers pitch up in a field that overlooked the bay, providing fresh milk and eggs as well. Pretty soon, FWS realised that his land could provide extra income in the lean post-World War II years, and so he began to develop a proper campsite.
“With the help of his wife, FWS grew Ladram Bay to incorporate static caravans and a shop. Come the late 1950s, the park was becoming so popular that the workload was overwhelming. To make Ladram Bay a park to be proud of, a manager and extra staff were hired. FWS carried on leading the park until his retirement in 2006, by which time we had become one of the largest privately owned holiday parks in the country.
“With FWS’s son and daughter, Robin and Zoe, now guiding the park, we are more successful than ever, with hundreds of owners and thousands of guests visiting Ladram Bay each year.”
The Mirror’s Johnny Goldsmith visited the holiday park was his family earlier this year and enjoyed having access to the spectacular beach. “The beach was just a few minutes’ walk from our sea-view caravan. Each morning we woke to wonderful views, with our own private decked area – the perfect spot to sit, soak it all in and really unwind,” he wrote.
“On our final morning the weather was clear enough to venture down to the beach once again, and on the way we stopped at the shop and bought an ice cream. Within seconds, a marauding seagull swooped down and tried to snatch one of the kids’ cones. The shop staff advised us to stay under the covered seated area to eat them as the greedy gulls are notorious for trying to steal holidaymakers’ food.
“Ice creams finished, we strode back on to the beach still laughing about our seagull encounter and talking about all the fun we’d managed to fit in over our four days. What a Jurassic lark!”
Emma Ansley Knight has shared her top three recommendations for city break getaways on the continent this October, claiming they are on her ‘bucket list’ of autumnal escapes
Ghent is one of Emma’s top tips this October (stock) (Image: alxpin via Getty Images)
If you’re mulling over an October getaway but haven’t settled on your destination, one travel expert has compiled a trio of European locations she believes are perfect to visit in the coming weeks. Each month, Emma Ansley Knight turns to TikTok to share video advice concerning her travel picks for the immediate period ahead.
And next month is no exception, with the revealing that as autumn vibes are kicking in, it’s time to unveil her “bucket list” of spots that are ideal to explore over the course of October before the much cooler weather sets in across the continent.
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Ghent, Belgium
“This has been on my list for such a long time,” Emma admitted. “I’ve already done Bruges and Brussels, but Ghent often gets overlooked.”
Nevertheless, she noted that Ghent appears “a lot more charming” especially during autumn. “The thought of waking up there on an October morning with crisp blue skies, a little chill in the air and throwing on a jumper and walking down the canals with golden leaves on the floor is the picture of heaven in my head,” Emma declared.
Travellers can anticipate average temperatures of 14-15C in October.
Piedmont, Italy
“This place is an absolute paradise for foodies, wine lovers and truffle lovers as well,” Emma said of Piedmont, a region which borders Switzerland to the north and France to the west.
She continued: “It’s the white truffle capital of the world and there’s actually a lot of festivals that start in October (including the 2025 International Alba White Truffle Fair), so you can try pastas with different truffles or cheeses, and pair them with the local wine.”
Another advantage of travelling to Piedmont is its location at the base of the Alps – something Emma says offers “breathtaking views of unbelievable mountainous backdrops and golden vineyards”.
The area also enjoys an average October temperature of 18C, while Emma recommends flying into Turin.
Bratislava, Slovakia
Rounding off Emma’s recommendations is Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, which she explained lies just an hour from Vienna, Austria and therefore presents a practical option should you wish to “tackle” both cities during one trip.
Emma added of the city positioned along the Danube: “Because so many people do visit Vienna, it [Bratislava] seems like a bit of a hidden gem. The old town looks so colourful, so charming and it’s also a really walkable city.”
She also highlighted that Bratislava is “a lot more affordable” than many of Europe’s other capital cities, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to keep costs down. With an average October temperature of 15C, though, anticipate a somewhat chillier experience than Piedmont.
One TikTok user, responding to Emma’s post, gushed about Ghent: “I recently did Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp in one trip to Belgium and Ghent was definitely top of the list, it’s lovely!”
While a second person shared their approval of Emma’s third recommendation, writing: “Love Bratislava and the Christmas markets are ace.”
The Scots will view the October and November friendly windows as preparation for next year’s World Cup qualification campaign, which begins in February.
Scotland have failed to qualify for the past three major tournaments, most recently missing out on this summer’s Euros following a play-off defeat by Finland last December.
Shortly after that loss, Pedro Martinez Losa left his job as head coach and Andreatta was appointed in April.
The last Syrian president to address the UN General Assembly spoke at the gathering in 1967.
Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa has arrived in New York for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), becoming the first Syrian head of state to attend the annual gathering in almost six decades.
The last Syrian leader to attend the UNGA was President Nureddin al-Atassi, who ruled before the al-Assad family came to power in 1971 and maintained its rule until al-Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad’s government in December.
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Al-Sharaa arrived in New York on Sunday, leading a large delegation of Syrian officials, in what state media described as a “landmark trip”.
The symbolism of the visit was also significant because it is the latest milestone in the normalisation of al-Sharaa and his government, who seized power in the country in a lightning offensive after spending more than a decade as a rebel fighter in northern Syria.
Al-Sharaa had a meeting with United States President Donald Trump in May, the first such encounter between a Syrian president and a US president in 25 years, at a summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council, alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. At the meeting, Trump said the US would drop all sanctions on Syria, which he subsequently did, and added that Washington was “exploring normalising relations with Syria’s new government”.
Al-Sharaa’s fledgling government has been contending with internal strife, notably an eruption of violence in the southern area of Suwayda in June, as well repeated Israeli attacks and military incursions into Syrian territory despite talks between the two nations.
Syria has accused Israel of violating the 1974 Disengagement Agreement that followed their 1973 war, by establishing intelligence facilities and military posts in demilitarised areas to advance its “expansionist and partition plans”.
In an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation, al-Sharaa said “President Trump took a big step towards Syria by lifting the sanctions with a quick, courageous and historic decision.
“He recognized that Syria should be safe, stable and unified. This is in the greatest interest of all the countries in the world, not just Syria,” he added, saying he hoped to have another meeting with Trump while in the US.
“We need to discuss a great many issues and mutual interests between Syria and the USA. We must restore relations in a good and direct way.”
At the end of June, Trump signed an executive order “terminating” most remaining sanctions on Syria, which was welcomed in Damascus as unlocking “long-awaited reconstruction and development” funds.
After arriving in the US, al-Sharaa met members of the Syrian community.
Syria’s Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani also raised the country’s new flag over the Washington embassy.
في لحظة تاريخية، وزير الخارجية والمغتربين السيد أسعد حسن الشيباني يرفع علم الجمهورية العربية السورية فوق مبنى السفارة السورية في العاصمة الأميركية واشنطن. pic.twitter.com/PWyUEGSIBK
Translation: In a historic moment, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Mr Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani, raises the flag of the Syrian Arab Republic above the building of the Syrian embassy in the US capital, Washington.
US President Trump tells reporters that ‘great American patriots’ are planning to buy the social media app.
Published On 21 Sep 202521 Sep 2025
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United States lawmakers are in China on a rare visit as the two countries tussle over trade, the ownership of the TikTok social media platform and military dynamics in the South China Sea.
According to a US media pool report, the members of the US House of Representatives met on Sunday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and relayed that they hoped to “break the ice” as the superpowers try to make progress on stabilising ties.
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The visit followed a call by the leaders of the two countries, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Friday. The two leaders spoke by phone, their first call in three months, but there was no announcement about the sale, ownership or algorithm of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media app that has 170 million US users.
According to the White House on Saturday, an emerging deal would give US companies control over TikTok’s algorithm and US citizens would hold the majority of seats, six out of seven, on a board overseeing the app’s US operations.
The app’s algorithm controls what users see, and US officials have often warned that it is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities.
But Trump told reporters on Saturday evening that “great American patriots” were planning to buy the app, which was supposed to be banned in the US in January. The president has signed repeated orders to allow the app to continue working while his administration tries to reach a deal with its owner, China’s ByteDance, to sell its US operations.
“And they’re [the buyers] very smart technologically, and they will not let anything bad happen to TikTok,” Trump said.
Among the expected buyers is Oracle, a tech firm owned by Larry Ellison, one of the world’s wealthiest people and a Trump supporter.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Fox News interview on Saturday that the Trump administration was “100 percent confident that a deal is done”.
“[Trump] recognised the need to protect Americans’ privacy and data while also keeping this app open,” Leavitt said, adding: “TikTok is a vital part of our democratic process,” and she anticipated the deal to be finalised in “the coming days”.
US President Trump tells reporters that ‘great American patriots’ are planning to buy the social media app.
Published On 21 Sep 202521 Sep 2025
Share
United States lawmakers are in China on a rare visit as the two countries tussle over trade, the ownership of the TikTok social media platform and military dynamics in the South China Sea.
According to a US media pool report, the members of the US House of Representatives met on Sunday with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing and relayed that they hoped to “break the ice” as the superpowers try to make progress on stabilising ties.
Recommended Stories
list of 3 itemsend of list
The visit followed a call by the leaders of the two countries, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Friday. The two leaders spoke by phone, their first call in three months, but there was no announcement about the sale, ownership or algorithm of TikTok, the popular Chinese-owned social media app that has 170 million US users.
According to the White House on Saturday, an emerging deal would give US companies control over TikTok’s algorithm and US citizens would hold the majority of seats, six out of seven, on a board overseeing the app’s US operations.
The app’s algorithm controls what users see, and US officials have often warned that it is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities.
But Trump told reporters on Saturday evening that “great American patriots” were planning to buy the app, which was supposed to be banned in the US in January. The president has signed repeated orders to allow the app to continue working while his administration tries to reach a deal with its owner, China’s ByteDance, to sell its US operations.
“And they’re [the buyers] very smart technologically, and they will not let anything bad happen to TikTok,” Trump said.
Among the expected buyers is Oracle, a tech firm owned by Larry Ellison, one of the world’s wealthiest people and a Trump supporter.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a Fox News interview on Saturday that the Trump administration was “100 percent confident that a deal is done”.
“[Trump] recognised the need to protect Americans’ privacy and data while also keeping this app open,” Leavitt said, adding: “TikTok is a vital part of our democratic process,” and she anticipated the deal to be finalised in “the coming days”.
Tourists from New York have shared their thoughts on Blackpool after hearing how the seaside resort is commonly referred to as the ‘Las Vegas of the North’ – and they only had good things to say
16:15, 15 Sep 2025Updated 08:01, 21 Sep 2025
The New Yorkers shared their thoughts on Blackpool (stock)(Image: alex_west via Getty Images)
When exploring its sights, tourists Max and Max bumped into TikTok user @AWalkOnTheWildSideTV who asked them about their visit. He said: “I’m here with Max and Max from New York – so what you doing here guys?” In response, the tourist said: “We’re checking out Blackpool. We’re seeing the sights with the man himself [points at AWalkOnTheWildSideTV].” But there was one thing that took them both by surprise – Blackpool’s deep history.
Max added: “We’re not used to cities with such rich history as this in the US. When was it named? 1602. It’s unbelievable and it’s beautiful. We’re loving it.”
Blackpool received its name in the Medieval ages from a discoloured steam that drained through peatland, creating a black pool where it met the sea.
The name first appeared in a baptismal register for the Bispham parish, with the modern spelling Blackpool, in 1602.
The seaside town has been a hotspot for tourists ever since the 18th century when sea bathing gained popularity for his health benefits.
In more recent times, it has become known as ‘Las Vegas of the North’ due to its lively nightlife, bright lights, extensive slot arcades and reputation for entertainment.
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Now, it attracts around 20 million tourists annually, according to a STEAM report that measures attendance at events, visitor attraction numbers, and occupancy levels at hotels.
Commenting on his video, one user said: “It must be rewarding meeting people who are tourists from abroad not only that you could bump into a celebrity.”
Another user added: “Keep up the good work, mate. Post more videos, they are amazing.”
A third user said: “It was lovely that Max and Max wanted to meet you. I know you enjoyed meeting them.”
On his channel, AWalkOnTheWildSideTV, whose real name is Stevie, shares a glimpse of every day life in Blackpool as well as documenting notable events – such as when the Typhoon and C-17 Globemaster took off from the seaside town.
In one of his most-viewed videos, he showed off an “epic Blackpool sunset”, saying even the police spotted to take in the breathtaking view.
One user added: “The best sunsets are in Blackpool, this one is a beauty.” Another user said: “Don’t care what anyone says, Blackpool is magical.”
Someone said: “Blackpool has the best sunsets in the world.” A final user said: “I live near the front and run most nights looking at this.”
There are hundreds of places to explore in Europe, from quaint seaside towns to medieval cities – but which is the safest to visit? A travel expert has ranked them and revealed their top 10
An avid traveller revealed the safest capitals to visit in Europe (Image: Getty Images/Stock Photo)
An avid traveller has revealed the safest places to visit in Europe – and it might not be where you’d expect.
When looking for the next getaway or city break, it can be hard to narrow down the ideal location, especially if you’re looking for somewhere new to visit. A key factor that many consider is how safe the location is – so they can wander around the foreign streets freely without the extra stress of looking over their shoulder.
In a bid to help others book their dream vacation, solo traveller and European expert, Luke Patrick Hoogmoed, curated a list of European capitals that were dubbed the safest, with the lowest level of crime. Sharing a video on his Instagram account, which boasts over 500K followers, he revealed the list, counting down from 10 to number 1. Here’s what the traveller expert said…
Copenhagen is among the safest cities in Europe (Image: Getty Images)
10. Copenhagen, Denmark
The capital of Denmark is a charming and modern city, known for its biking culture and brightly coloured buildings with Scandinavian designs. The expert said, “People trust each other and follow the rules. The streets are well-lit and easy to walk at night. Visit Nyhavn for colorful views by the water.”
9. Prague, Czech Republic
Often called the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’, the capital of the Czech Republic boasts cobbled streets, medieval bridges and fairy-tale-like churches with a vibrant yet welcoming feel. The traveller noted, “The city is full of life but feels calm. Police are present and public spaces are kept safe. Don’t miss Charles Bridge at sunrise.”
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8. Bratislava, Slovakia
It may be small, but the capital of Slovakia is filled with character, with lively squares that go uncrowded and a relaxed vibe for an easy getaway. “It’s small and easy to get around. Most areas are quiet and crime is rare. Bratislava Castle has the best views of the city,” the expert revealed.
7. Warsaw, Poland
Blending history and modern energy, the capital of Poland has riverside parks, baroque churches, historic landmarks and an Old Town that was reconstructed. Luke shared: “The city is busy but well-organised. Public transport and streets are safe to use. The Old Town Market Square is a must-see.”
6. Helsinki, Finland
The capital of Finland has been described as modern yet serene, with maritime beauty and an urban blend. “People look out for one another. It’s clean, peaceful, and safe to walk anywhere. Visit Suomenlinna island for a nice getaway from the busy city centre,” the expert noted.
Helsinki, Finland, has been described as ‘clean, peaceful, and safe to walk anywhere’(Image: Getty Images)
5. Tallinn, Estonia
The small capital of Estonia is a preserved medieval city where you can walk the streets filled with character and experience its contemporary edge. “The old town is well-lit and lively. Crime levels are low and people feel secure. Toompea Hill offers great city views,” Luke said.
4. Reykjavik, Iceland
A small yet vibrant and picturesque city, with a lively cultural scene, surrounded by majestic mountains. The expert revealed: “Almost everyone knows each other. Violence and serious crime are very rare. I filmed the clip from the top of the Hallgrímskirkja Church.”
3. Zagreb, Croatia
With an Upper and Lower Town to be explored, the capital of Croatia has a charming feel with a warmth and elegance that runs through to its residents. “It’s relaxed and friendly. The police are active and keep the streets safe. The Upper Town is perfect for a peaceful walk,” the traveller said.
2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Intimate and walkable, the capital of Slovenia is known for its modern architecture, outdoor living and fairytale-like backdrop. Luke noted, “The city is small and welcoming. It’s easy to walk around without worry. Ljubljana Castle overlooks the whole city.”
The expert said, ‘Safety is part of everyday living’ in Bern, Switzerland(Image: Getty Images)
1. Bern, Switzerland
With medieval buildings, arcaded walkways and cobbled streets, the Swiss capital is filled with history and beauty around every corner. Ranked as the safest, the expert said: “Calm streets and orderly life. Safety is part of everyday living here. The Rose Garden has the best view of the old town.”
A recent list has named the top 16 European city-break destinations that can be easily reached by train and one Belgian spot has been called as a must-visit in the region
Ghent in Belgium features in the top European destinations easily accessible by train(Image: Getty)
Belgium, a country adored by many for its blend of medieval heritage and modern flair, offers more than just the popular city of Bruges.
For those seeking to avoid the crowds while still experiencing the enchantment of Belgium, Ghent could be your next destination. This region is brimming with architectural wonders, historical landmarks, and a vibrant arts scene, all set against the backdrop of cobblestone streets ideal for leisurely strolls and cycling.
Ghent was highlighted in a list by Which? as one of the top 16 European city-break destinations easily accessible by train. This lesser-known Belgian gem outshone Paris and Amsterdam, proving it deserves a spot on your next European travel bucket list.
Ghent also features a bustling arts scene and is rich in culture(Image: Getty)
Which? members voted for their favourite European locations, rating each out of five stars in categories such as accommodation, food and drink. While Bruges took the top spot, Ghent made an impressive showing, coming in 5th with a city score of 80 per cent.
Located northwest of Belgium, Ghent is a port city renowned for its Gothic architecture. As the fourth largest city in Belgium, it is home to approximately a quarter of a million people.
The region is steeped in culture, boasting a captivating arts scene, thriving culinary cuisine, lively street life, and a historic centre. Furthermore, the city’s picturesque canals offer ample green spaces, boat tours, walking hotspots, and cycling trails for visitors to fully immerse themselves in the experience.
Ghent features Gothic architecture, cobblestone streets and a vibrant nightlife(Image: Getty)
Described as a captivating spot with a relaxed atmosphere and fewer tourists than many other European hotspots, Ghent is a hidden gem. The town is home to numerous museums, medieval streets, three towers and the Ghent Altarpiece, a large 15th-century polyptych altarpiece also known as the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb that’s a must-see.
Ghent holds the title of Europe’s largest car-free zone, boasting vast pedestrianised areas. After a long day of exploring, you can look forward to an unparalleled culinary experience.
The region is renowned for its top-notch mustard, which perfectly complements traditional dishes such as ganda ham, kroakdemandels, Ghent-style stoverij or waterzooi. And for those who enjoy a pint, beer is practically a way of life here, with several breweries offering a taste of their delightful brews.
You can get to Ghent from London St Pancras to Brussels, followed by a transfer to Ghent, all in less than three hours, making it a must-visit European destination.
The prime minister and his team are delighted – and relieved.
State visits are far from a new tool in the British armoury of soft power, but they are frequently a useful one – and particularly with an unpredictable ally with an abiding love for the UK in general and its monarchy in particular.
That was why, back in February and brandished with a flourish, Sir Keir Starmer delivered the King’s invitation to US President Donald Trump for a second such visit.
Gratefully received as it was, his British hosts still needed to pull it off, and the prime minister still needed to make it through the potential rollercoaster of a news conference with his guest.
And that is what Sir Keir managed and so hence his team’s relief.
They have now – on several occasions – managed to tame Trump during their joint public appearances.
It is not that the two men agree on everything, far from it.
Their instincts, communication styles and politics are wildly different, but Trump’s disagreements with Sir Keir were somehow channelled past him, rather than at him.
The UK is expected to recognise a Palestinian state in the coming days – when, from Downing Street’s perspective, the president is safely back on his own side of the Atlantic. The president acknowledged to me he disagrees with the prime minister on this.
He said so explicitly, but gently, and only at the end of a lengthy answer which the Starmer would have agreed with the thrust of.
Even his remarks about illegal immigration, while headline making, seem to have less impact in this the second half of the first year of his second term. The president’s willingness to comment on the internal politics of an ally feels more priced in, and so carries less shock value for many.
In advance of the news conference, there had been much speculation about the potential for his mood to sour instantly on the mention of the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
But, confronted by it and asked in particular about Epstein’s friendship with the former British Ambassador to the United States Lord Mandelson, he instantly smothered it as if with a fire blanket.
His answer was curious, claiming he didn’t know Lord Mandelson – despite them meeting in the White House last week, for a start.
Downing Street may allow themselves to hope theirs is a relationship with the Trump administration that is normalising and – whisper it – at least some of the time bordering on the conventional, and so less demanding on the bandwidth and mental energy devoted to it in its early months.
The caveat, of course, with Donald Trump, is you never know.
This state visit provided the UK with invaluable face time with the president – and so the opportunity to both set out the UK’s position and attempt to persuade.
The prime minister has been successful in the former, but the persuasion bit? That’s rather more tricky.
1 of 4 | U.S. President Donald Trump (C-L) and King Charles (C-R), flanked by First Lady Melania Trump (L) and Queen Camilla (R), share a joke as they review a Guard of Honour at Windsor Castle on Wednesday. Photo by RAF Sgt. Rob Kane/Defense Ministry/EPA
Sept. 18 (UPI) — Major U.S. companies are set to invest a record $205 billion in Britain over the next decade, creating thousands of jobs across the four countries of the United Kingdom, the government said in an announcement timed to coincide with U.S. President Donald Trump‘s state visit.
Investment giant Blackstone will put in the bulk of the money, about $123 billion, along with $46 billion from Microsoft, NVIDIA and Google into AI projects and data centers, according to a Business Department news release.
Prologis will pump another $5.3 billion into the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, as well as investments to support life sciences, advanced manufacturing and rail infrastructure, while tech company Palantir is set to invest $2 billion.
Hailing what he said was the largest commercial package ever secured during a State Visit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the deals were a “testament to Britain’s economic strength and a bold signal that our country is open, ambitious, and ready to lead.”
“When we back British brilliance, champion our world-class industries, and forge deeper global alliances — especially with friends like the United States — we help shape the future for generations to come and make people across the country better off,” Starmer said. “Jobs, growth and opportunity is what I promised for working people, and it’s exactly what this State Visit is delivering.”
Prologis U.K. regional head Paul Weston said the move demonstrated the firm’s determination to support innovation and deliver the sustainable infrastructure base critical to the U.K.’s long-term economic growth.
“Our investment ambitions for the expansion of Cambridge Biomedical Campus and Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal are backing two of the U.K.’s most critical sectors: life sciences and logistics,” said Weston.
However, the money will not all be flowing in one direction.
British firms are set to invest upwards of $73 billion in the United States over the next five years, led by pharma-giant GSK and BP, plus tech, banks and insurers.
U.K. public sector contracts with U.S. companies, mostly in the spheres of tech and defense, helping run critical services such as the National Health Service and weather forecasting, will add another $60 billion to that figure.
Meanwhile, the state visit by Trump, credited with oiling all the deals, culminated Wednesday night with a grand state banquet in his honor in Windsor Castle’s St. George’s Hall attended by 160 guests at which he was seated with King Charles on one side and Catherine, Princess of Wales, on the other.
In speeches, the king and Trump spoke at length about the special U.K.-U.S. relationship with Charles highlighting the shared history of the two nations fighting alongside each other in two world wars and praising Trump’s dedication to “finding solutions to some of the world’s most intractable conflicts.”
“Our people have fought and died together for the values we hold dear,” said the King.
Trump said “special” didn’t even come close.
“I have such respect for you and such respect for your country for many decades. The word special does not begin to do it justice,” he said, addressing the king.
The visit was set to continue Thursday with Trump traveling to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s country residence in Buckinghamshire for bilateral talks and a summit with business leaders, while First Lady Melania Trump will remain at Windsor Castle to attend events with Queen Camilla and Princess Kate.
Lorraine Kelly didn’t hold back on her ITV show today when it came to Melania Trump’s outfit at last night’s State Banquet for US President Donald Trump’s visit to the UK
Lorraine Kelly didn’t hold back when talking about Melania Trump’s outfit
ITV’s Lorraine Kelly has given her brutal verdict on Melania Trump’s State Banquet outfit, admitting: “Personally – not a fan.” The US First Lady attended the luxurious state banquet with husband, American President Donald Trump, at Windsor Castle last night.
Hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla, the banquet saw the likes of Rupert Murdoch, Keir Starmer, Kate Middleton and Prince William dine at St George’s Hall after months of preparation. Melania wore a bright yellow Carolina Herrera dress to the event, accessorised with a purple belt and Malono Blahnik heels.
However, ITV presenter Lorraine wasn’t too keen on the look. Speaking on her show this morning, she said: “The other big talking point was Melania’s outfits and what they mean because these women never just put on clothes like you and I. There’s always a wee hidden meaning.
Melania Trump with King Charles, Queen Camilla and US President Donald Trump at the State Banquet(Image: Getty Images)
“One thing that really struck me when I see them walking in, I bet they can’t wait to get out of all that and put their comfies on and sit in front of the telly with a box of Maltesers,” she laughed.
“Melania’s dress has got everyone talking. Personally – not a fan. What do you think because you know these things,” she asked fashion expert Jo Elvin on the show.
While Jo revealed that she didn’t like the belt, she defended Melania, saying: “I’m a big fan of yellow and I love Carolina Herrera who has form for dressing up American First Ladies for State Banquets.
“A lot of people were saying, ‘Would she not have worn British?’ But she had the nod to British with her little purple Manolo Blahnik shoes. It’s actually quite traditional for the American First Lady to promote American designers…I think it’s still formal enough.”
While Paul Brand said that he didn’t think the outfit was appropriate for a State Banquet, Jo said that Melania would be “devastated” to hear him say that. “This is visit is such a big deal for them – she would have been thinking about this for months.”
Lorraine jumped: “She always looks great but that’s just not really- when you compare it with Kate, who has got it absolutely right. Look at this woman – she looks extraordinary. Just elevate it a wee bit, that’s what Melania should have done.”
Sept. 17 (UPI) — U.S. President Donald Trump‘s visit to England with King Charles III at Windsor Castle on Wednesday has sparked large protests in London and at Windsor.
Police estimated there were about 5,000 protesters at Parliament Square in London, and a smaller protest gathered outside of Windsor Castle.
Trump is unlikely to see the protests since most of his day and evening will be spent inside Windsor Castle. On Wednesday evening, the king and Queen Camilla will host a banquet, at which Charles and Trump are expected to give speeches. The king’s speech was written on the advice of the United Kingdom government, BBC’s Chris Mason reported.
The protests were organized by the Stop Trump Coalition, a group of more than 50 unions and charities.
Some protesters carried signs with slogans written across them, including “no to racism,” “no to Trump” and “stop arming Israel,” BBC reported. The 20-foot-tall Trump Baby blimp that greeted the president during his visit in 2019 has been made into smaller balloons that some protestors carried.
Metropolitan Police’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Louise Puddefoot said police had been in close contact with the organizers and had asked them to be “considerate to the local community” and keep disruption to a minimum.
Before the march, a spokesperson for the coalition said: “A government that will bow down to Trump and to racism is one that will open the door to fascism.”
The protest groups said they would demonstrate to “defeat the politics of Trumpism” and to promote “an alternative, democratic vision of the world based on peace, social justice and international cooperation.”
The march ended at Parliament Square, and several people spoke on a stage. There was a performance by singer Billy Bragg, and speakers included former Labour Party members of Parliament Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana, comedian Nish Kumar and Green Party leader Zack Polanski.
Zoe Gardner, a political commentator and one of the organizers of the protest, said that the president “represents everything that we hate.”
“We want our government to show some backbone, and have a little bit of pride and represent that huge feeling of disgust at Donald Trump’s politics in the U.K.,” she said.
Auriel Dowty Glanville, a climate activist from Wimbledon, said she was demonstrating because climate change was “the biggest threat facing us on Earth.”
She said the government giving him a second state visit was “appalling,” saying, “It’s all about the trade deal.”
On Tuesday, four men were arrested for projecting large images and videos of Trump and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein on the walls of a turret at Windsor Castle. On Wednesday, as Trump toured the grounds and visited with the king, a van with a similar image was being driven around the castle, with the words, “Welcome to the U.K., Donald.” Police stopped the man and sent him on his way. He wasn’t arrested.
As the Trumps arrived via Marine One Wednesday morning, they were greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales — William and Kate — and then by Charles and Camilla.
Britain’s Ministry of Defense described the ceremonial welcome as “unprecedented.”
The delegation was then taken on a carriage ride around the grounds of the castle. Trump and Charles rode in the gilded Irish Stage Coach. It’s the coach that Queen Elizabeth II used to travel to the State Opening of Parliament. The queen and first lady followed behind in the Scottish State Coach, which was built in 1830.
After the ride around the castle grounds, they went to the Quadrangle at the Castle to inspect the British Army Guard of Honor. The group of royals and American visitors then went inside for a private lunch.
The unprecedented nature of the visit is that second-term presidents don’t usually get state visits. Instead, they are invited for lunch or tea with the monarch. Former presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush were treated to the usual protocol.
“This is really special. This has never happened before. Unprecedented,” said U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the White House in February. “I think that just symbolizes the strength of the relationship between us.”
British officials understand that Trump admires the royal family, so “if you have those assets, that opportunity, then why not absolutely make the most of it,” Matthew Doyle, a former communications director and adviser for Starmer, told CNN.
The president will travel on Thursday to Chequers, the prime minister’s country house in Buckinghamshire, where talks will begin. Agreements on “tech and trade” are expected to be discussed, Doyle said. Trump and Starmer will also meet with tech CEOs.
Doyle said Britain also wants to hear that Trump has a “plan to get Russia to the table,” adding that “Ukraine is clearly the biggest issue on the foreign agenda” for this meeting.
Thousands of anti-Trump protestors march through the streets of London to protest against President Donald Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom on September 17, 2025. Photo by Hugo Philpott/UPI | License Photo
State visits are as much about what everyone is wearing as they are about what they’re saying and doing.
It is an exercise in fashion diplomacy – and there has been plenty of it on display as US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania visit the UK.
From the First Lady’s hat, to the Princess of Wales’s feather brooch, here are some of the most eye-catching looks so far.
Melania’s hat and a British classic
Melania is no stranger to impressive headwear – her white and navy wide-brimmed hat was a talking point at her husband’s inauguration earlier this year. There was an awkward moment when Trump tried to kiss her and the brim of her hat made it a tricky task. Cue the internet blowing up.
The first lady has gone for a similarly dramatic flourish on day one of the state visit. She arrived at Windsor Castle wearing a wide-brimmed purple hat that seemed to obscure her eyes, which she paired with a timeless dark grey suit by Dior.
PA Media
The Princess of Wales and Queen Camilla chat to First Lady Melania Trump as she arrived at Windsor Castle
“Melania’s hat is not by chance,” said Marian Kwei, a celebrity stylist and Vogue contributor.
“The hat with the wide brim that hides her face is pointing to a stance where she wants all eyes on her husband and his agenda while here,” she added.
She noted that it matched the exact colour of Trump’s tie, in “a nod to her support for her husband’s agenda during this state visit”.
Dior is a favourite fashion house for Melania, and, for Kwei, her decision to wear it is a nod to America’s support for Europe.
Reuters
Melania’s hat stayed on inside, unlike the Queen who removed hers
On Tuesday, Melania stepped onto UK soil wearing the most British of fashion items: a Burberry trench coat.
She wore the honey-coloured, floor-length coat with the collar turned up, while flashes of its signature lining were visible underneath.
Melania, 55, completed the look with black sunglasses and boots.
Reuters
Trump and Melania held hands when they landed at London Stansted Airport
Vanessa Friedman, chief fashion critic at The New York Times, said that wearing a British-made coat could be an example of engaging in sartorial diplomacy, which is something many first ladies have done.
For the Trumps’ last state visit in 2019, Melania – a former model – also dressed in her British best, opting for brands such as Burberry, although she added a mix of European fashion houses too (think Celine and Dolce & Gabbana), as well as American designers including Michael Kors.
It will be interesting to see how the choice of a British brand on this trip will be perceived back at home, says Kwei, given that Trump’s message is about serving the interests of the United States before those of any other country.
King and Queen match in blue
Getty Images
The King and Queen at the formal ceremonial welcome
The Queen, 78, was seen in a vibrant sapphire blue dress, a matching coat by Fiona Clare and hat by Philip Treacy.
She completed the look with a sapphire and diamond brooch.
Princess of Wales’s outfit sends diplomatic message
Getty Images
The Princess of Wales smiled as she greeted the US guests
The Princess of Wales, 43, wore a burgundy Emilia Wickstead dress and a matching hat by Jane Taylor.
From both the Queen and the Princess, it’s a strong showing for British designers.
Catherine completed her look with a feather brooch.
Kwei noted it was interesting that, like the Trumps, the princess also chose to match her outfit to her husband, the Prince of Wales, 43, who wore a burgundy tie.
“As with Melania, this is to show support and that she’s at one with her spouse and home country’s agenda,” she said.
“Blue and red!”, royal expert Victoria Murphy said of the outfit choices by the Queen and Catherine.
“This seems a clear example of coordinated diplomatic dressing to me, to reflect the US flag. It’s an example of how the outfits can send a powerful diplomatic message.”
President Trump met King Charles, then Prince of Wales, during his 2019 state visit
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump arrived in the UK for an unprecedented second state visit.
Trump, who is accompanied by his wife Melania, will stay with the King and Queen at Windsor Castle, and will remain in the UK until Thursday night.
The president was hosted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in June 2019.
What is a state visit?
A state visit is a formal trip to the UK by the head of a country. They are usually arranged at the invitation of the monarch, acting on government advice.
As well as being grand occasions with lots of pageantry, governments use the visits to further Britain’s interests.
Traditionally, US presidents serving a second term – such as Trump – are not offered a state visit. Instead, they are invited for tea or lunch with the monarch, as happened with former presidents Barack Obama and George W Bush.
The president and Mrs Trump will travel to Windsor Castle where they will be greeted by the Prince and Princess of Wales, before being formally welcomed by the King and Queen.
A royal salute will be fired in Windsor and at the Tower of London.
Later, there will be a flypast by UK and US F-35 military jets and the Red Arrows.
On Wednesday evening, a traditional state banquet will be held at the castle, during which both the King and president will deliver speeches.
Thursday
The president will travel to the prime minister’s country house Chequers, in Buckinghamshire, for a meeting with Sir Keir.
They will view the Sir Winston Churchill archives before holding a meeting and a press conference.
Melania Trump will remain at Windsor Castle where she will tour the Royal Library and see Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House, a famous miniature palace built in the 1920s.
She will also meet Chief Scout Dwayne Fields with Catherine, who is joint president of the Scout Association.
Mrs Trump will then join her husband at Chequers before they return to the US.
What vehicles and personnel is President Trump bringing to the UK?
PA Media
During his July visit to Scotland, President Trump’s motorcade consisted of more than two dozen vehicles, flanked by Police vehicles and ambulance crews
Accompanying Trump are US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, special envoy Steve Witkoff, chief of staff Susie Wiles and “other senior White House staff”.
Trump arrived in the UK on his customised, high-spec Boeing 747-200B aeroplane known as Air Force One.
Once on the ground, the president travels in Cadillac One – an enhanced limousine nicknamed “The Beast”.
Two identical versions of the presidential limousine – as well as several other Secret Service vehicles – are flown over to the UK in military cargo planes in advance of Trump’s arrival.
While Trump will make some short journeys by limousine in the UK, he is expected to do most of his travelling by air – as was the case during his trip to Scotland in July.
The president will have brought a fleet of helicopters with him including Marine One which, like Air Force One, isn’t a specific aircraft but instead refers to any US Marine Corps aircraft carrying the president.
The president’s security has been tightened in recent days following the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a university in Utah.
Are protests expected during Trump’s state visit?
Reuters
An image of Donald Trump and the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was projected on to the walls of Windsor Castle as the president arrived in the UK.
Police have arrested four people on suspicion of projecting images of Donald Trump and the late disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on to the walls of Windsor Castle.
The footage appeared on Tuesday night as Trump touched down in London.
The Stop Trump coalition is planning a “Trump Not Welcome” demonstration in London on Wednesday 17 September.
It had called on the government to cancel the visit, accusing the US President of “denying climate science” and “siding with war criminals – in Israel, Russia and beyond”.
The group organised protests in Aberdeen and Edinburgh during Trump’s recent visit. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the two cities.
Trump was also booed by protesters who gathered along the perimeter of his Turnberry golf course in South Ayrshire, and a paraglider flew over the resort hotel with a banner criticising his presidency.
The visit comes as the UK and US prepare to sign a landmark technology agreement aimed at boosting cooperation between the two countries.
Published On 16 Sep 202516 Sep 2025
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United States President Donald Trump has arrived in the United Kingdom for his second state visit, describing it as a “great honour” to be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle.
The US president landed at the London Stansted airport on Tuesday evening, where new UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper was among those greeting him as he stepped off Air Force One.
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Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, is expected to stay overnight at Winfield House, the official residence of the US ambassador in Regent’s Park, before travelling to Windsor Castle on Wednesday for a ceremonial welcome and a state banquet.
Thousands are expected to protest during his stay, though he has no public-facing engagements planned.
Speaking to reporters before landing, Trump said: “My relationship is very good with the UK, and Charles, as you know, who’s now King, is my friend. It’s the first time this has ever happened where somebody was honoured twice. So, it’s a great honour.”
The visit comes as the UK and US prepare to sign a landmark technology agreement aimed at boosting cooperation between the two countries’ multi-trillion-dollar tech sectors.
Trump is expected to be joined by a delegation of US executives, including Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang and OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile, Sky News reported that BlackRock plans to invest $700m in British data centres as part of a series of announcements tied to the state visit.
The UK was the first country to sign a bilateral trade agreement with the Trump administration in May. Under that deal, Washington pledged to reduce tariffs on aluminium and steel from 25 percent to zero, though the changes have yet to take effect.
Trump has hinted at possible tariff relief for UK steel ahead of talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer at Chequers, the prime minister’s country residence, on Thursday.
“I’m there also on trade. They want to see if they can refine the trade deal a little bit. We’ve made a deal, and it’s a great deal, and I’m into helping them,” Trump said.
Great Britain is set to roll out the red carpet for Donald Trump this week, honouring the president of the United States with something no other American leader has ever received: a second state visit.
Trump is set to arrive in London late on Tuesday for a visit that coincides with tough trade negotiations between the US and many of its key trading partners, including the United Kingdom. During his stay, both countries plan to announce several deals on technology and civil nuclear energy, and British leaders hope to finalise an agreement on metal tariffs.
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Trump and his wife, Melania, will be treated to royal pageantry throughout their two-day stay, including a ceremonial welcome from King Charles at Windsor Castle. The British government is confident that royal soft power will appeal to Trump’s sense of flamboyance.
Before setting off on Tuesday, Trump said he was looking forward to meeting with his friend, King Charles III, whom he described as an “elegant gentleman”.
The president said being welcomed for a second state visit was a first, and noted how it was planned for Windsor Castle, rather than Buckingham Palace.
“I don’t want to say one is better than the other, but they say Windsor Castle is the ultimate,” the president added, noting that much of his trip will be focused on trade.
The state visit will include a glittering banquet and a procession in a horse-drawn carriage. For his part, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hopes Trump’s visit will offer a measure of distraction from simmering speculation about his leadership amid plummeting approval ratings and high-profile resignations.
Lord Mandelson’s recent sacking as UK ambassador to the US, following new revelations concerning his friendship with child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, has already cast a diplomatic pall over Trump’s visit. The president’s own links to Epstein have also generated plenty of headlines in recent weeks.
When and where
Trump will officially be welcomed to the UK on Tuesday evening by US Ambassador Warren Stephens, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Viscount Hood, the king’s lord-in-waiting. On Wednesday morning, the royal activities will begin, with a formal greeting by the king and Queen Camilla, along with Prince William and Princess Catherine, at Windsor Castle. Later that day, he will enjoy a royal salute at the castle and a flypast from the Red Arrows and the carriage procession.
The president will then be treated to lunch with the extended royal family before laying a wreath at Queen Elizabeth II’s tomb in St George’s Chapel.
On Wednesday night, Trump will be the guest of honour at a formal state banquet at the castle.
The president will bid farewell to the royals on Thursday morning before he meets Starmer.
Trade tops agenda
Starmer will host Trump at Chequers, his country residence, on Thursday to discuss various matters, including security in Ukraine. Starmer’s ultimate aim, however, is to ensure that Trump makes good on his promise to lower tariffs on steel and aluminium.
A view of Chequers, the official country residence of the UK prime minister, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire [File: Peter Nicholls/Reuters]
The UK was the first country to sign a bilateral trade agreement with the Trump administration in May. Under that deal, the US planned to reduce tariffs on aluminium and steel from 25 percent to zero, but that has not happened yet.
“When it comes to steel, we will make sure that we have an announcement as soon as possible,” Business Secretary Peter Kyle told the BBC on Sunday. Other ministers have expressed optimism that a deal on base metals can be secured during Trump’s visit.
The two countries are also expected to sign a multibillion-dollar deal to develop small nuclear projects, which could, in some cases, help to power new artificial intelligence data centres. On Monday, Starmer announced a joint US-UK project to build a fleet of small modular reactors.
“The UK-US relationship is the strongest in the world,” a representative from Starmer’s office told reporters. “This week, we are delivering a step change in that relationship.”
Investment deals?
A major talking point will be a new potential technology partnership, involving enhanced US investment in the UK and greater British cooperation with Silicon Valley on AI and quantum computing.
That had been Lord Mandelson’s priority and something he described in his outgoing letter to embassy staff last week as his “personal pride and joy” that he claimed would “help write the next chapter of the special relationship” between the US and the UK. Mandelson’s permanent replacement has yet to be named, but James Roscoe is serving as interim ambassador to the US.
Nvidia, OpenAI and Google are expected to announce investment deals as part of the partnership, according to the Reuters news agency. Meanwhile, the British government recently secured 1.25 billion pounds ($1.7bn) in private investment pledges from PayPal and Bank of America.
Elsewhere, private equity firm Blackstone plans to invest 100 billion pounds ($136bn) into British assets over the next decade, with a focus on physical infrastructure. The investment will be part of a previously announced $500bn package of investment into Europe.
Why is this trip significant?
This is Trump’s second visit to the UK in the last two months, following his trip to Scotland in July, but this week marks his second state visit, which no other US president has ever enjoyed. In 2019, Trump was hosted for a state visit by Queen Elizabeth II.
The timing is not ideal. Mandelson was sacked as the UK’s ambassador to the US on September 11, after emails were published that revealed he urged Epstein to fight for early release from prison in 2008.
Trump’s friendship with Epstein has also exposed him to damaging scrutiny, including from his support base. Democrats in the House of Representatives recently released a birthday letter he allegedly wrote to Epstein in 2003, which Trump has denied writing.
For his part, Starmer hopes the pomp of a state visit will offer cover for his own domestic challenges, including criticism about him proscribing the Palestine Action group as a “terror organisation”.
Starmer’s main goal will be to champion any wins secured during Trump’s visit.
But the president’s stay will also face challenges as local protests are expected in opposition to Trump’s stay at Windsor Castle.
Members of the public walk along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, outside of Windsor Castle, west of London [File: Adrian Dennis/AFP]
The prime minister will also try to convince Trump that Russia’s incursion of 20 drones into Polish airspace last Wednesday was not an accident, as Trump has suggested.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski rejected that theory on September 12 during a news conference in Kyiv. “We don’t believe in 20 mistakes at the same time,” he said.
Finally, Starmer’s spokesperson said there would also be announcements on deepening cultural ties, including promoting basketball in the UK and developing partnerships between heritage and art institutions.
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![Members of the public walk along the Long Walk in Windsor Great Park, outside of Windsor Castle, west of London [File: Adrian Dennis/AFP]](https://www.occasionaldigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/000_32J67H3.jpg)